cold hard fact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cold hard fact" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize an undeniable truth or reality, often in a blunt or straightforward manner. Example: "The cold hard fact is that we need to reduce our expenses if we want to stay in business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

This fear is based partly on cold, hard fact.

The New York Times

That's not a fuzzy number -- it's a cold, hard fact.

The New York Times

But this hot trend has a cold hard fact you should know about.

Harvard University

But the cold hard fact is that it is this way for a reason.

Independent

It's a cold hard fact that these Olympics have become an agent of death.

The Washington Post

But Mr. Rabe's experience illustrates a cold hard fact of the novelization business.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Just the cold, hard facts.

The New York Times

Cold, hard facts don't interest her.

The New York Times - Books

They want the cold, hard facts.

The New Yorker

They represent the cold, hard facts.

The New York Times

They're looking at the cold, hard facts".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cold hard fact" to introduce an unarguable truth, often one that is difficult to accept or contradicts a popular belief.

Common error

Avoid using "cold hard fact" in casual conversation or informal writing, as its bluntness can sound harsh or overly dramatic. Opt for more nuanced expressions in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cold hard fact" functions as a noun phrase that serves to introduce or emphasize an undeniable truth or reality. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's commonly used to highlight something that is definitively true, often regardless of emotional considerations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cold hard fact" is a phrase used to emphasize an undeniable and often unpleasant truth. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly employed across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, use this phrase to underscore the certainty of information, but be mindful of its bluntness, especially in informal settings. Alternatives like "undeniable truth" or "harsh reality" may offer a more nuanced tone in certain situations. Remember that while the phrase is valid and correct, proper use is very important to ensure that the text is interpreted correctly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undeniable truth

Emphasizes the lack of any possibility to deny the veracity of something.

harsh reality

Focuses on the unpleasant or difficult nature of the truth.

plain truth

Highlights the simplicity and directness of the truth.

stark reality

Emphasizes the bare and often unwelcome nature of the truth.

unpleasant reality

Highlights the disagreeable or unwelcome nature of the factual situation.

inescapable conclusion

Focuses on the impossibility of avoiding a particular realization.

brutal fact

Emphasizes the painful or shocking nature of the truth.

sobering fact

Highlights the serious or serious nature of the reality.

naked truth

Focuses on something stripped bare, without embellishment.

unvarnished truth

Emphasizes the lack of embellishment or concealment in the truth.

FAQs

How to use "cold hard fact" in a sentence?

Use "cold hard fact" to introduce information that is undeniably true, even if it's unpleasant or difficult to accept. For example, "The "cold hard fact" is that the company is losing money."

What can I say instead of "cold hard fact"?

You can use alternatives like "undeniable truth", "harsh reality", or "plain truth" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "cold, hard fact" in formal writing?

Yes, "cold hard fact" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when emphasizing an unpleasant reality. However, be mindful of the tone and consider whether a more nuanced phrase like "stark reality" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "cold hard fact" and "brutal truth"?

"Cold hard fact" emphasizes the undeniable and often unwelcome nature of information. "Brutal truth" highlights the painful or shocking aspect of the truth. They are largely interchangeable, but "brutal truth" carries a stronger emotional connotation.