cold hard facts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cold hard facts" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to indisputable or objective information or evidence. Example: Despite their beliefs, the company's financial records showed the cold hard facts that their profits were declining.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

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

Independent

They want the cold, hard facts.

The New Yorker

They represent the cold, hard facts.

The New York Times

"It's becoming more of a straight-up decision based on cold, hard facts".

The New York Times - Sports

Rudy Giuliani demolished @MichaelEDyson on @meetthepress w/ logic, common sense, wisdom & cold, hard facts.

Independent

But you can't argue with the cold, hard facts of 43 million Westlife albums sold.

Independent

But let's put emotion aside and look at the cold hard facts.

The Washington Post

Sorry to any romantic types, don't shoot the messenger, I'm just dealing out cold, hard facts.

The Guardian - Sport

Judge Thokozile Masipa had to deal with the cold hard facts.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cold hard facts" when you want to emphasize the undeniable and objective nature of information, particularly when countering emotional arguments or subjective opinions. Make sure the information you present truly meets the criteria of being both "cold" (impartial) and "hard" (firmly established).

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on the phrase "cold hard facts" in your writing, as it can come across as cliché or lacking in originality. Instead, aim to present the facts clearly and convincingly through strong evidence and logical reasoning, allowing the facts to speak for themselves without relying on the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cold hard facts" primarily functions as a noun phrase that emphasizes the objective and indisputable nature of the information presented. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression. It often introduces data or evidence that contradicts emotional or subjective viewpoints.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cold hard facts" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize objective, undeniable information. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase often used to persuade or inform by presenting irrefutable evidence. Predominantly found in news and media, academic, and formal business contexts, it serves to cut through subjectivity and focus on reality. While versatile, writers should avoid overusing this cliché, as more specific language might strengthen the message. Consider alternatives such as "objective evidence" or "irrefutable data" to maintain a tone that is both convincing and original.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indisputable facts

Focuses on the lack of argument against the facts.

unquestionable truths

Emphasizes the certainty and validity of the truths.

objective evidence

Highlights the impartiality and reliability of the evidence.

irrefutable data

Stresses the impossibility of disproving the data.

plain facts

Simple and direct term that emphasizes the obviousness and lack of embellishment of the facts.

unvarnished truth

Emphasizes the honesty and lack of embellishment in the presented truth.

stark realities

Highlights the harsh and unavoidable nature of the realities.

undeniable realities

Focuses on the impossibility of denying the realities.

incontrovertible facts

Highlights the impossibility of arguing against the facts.

actual facts

Emphasizes the authenticity and genuineness of the facts.

FAQs

How can I use "cold hard facts" in a sentence?

You can use "cold hard facts" to introduce objective information that cannot be easily disputed. For example: "Despite the emotional arguments, the "cold hard facts" showed the company was losing money."

What are some alternatives to saying "cold hard facts"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "objective evidence", "irrefutable data", or "plain facts" to convey a similar meaning.

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

While "cold hard facts" is acceptable, it can sound slightly informal. In formal writing, consider using more neutral phrases such as "objective data" or "factual evidence".

What's the difference between "cold hard facts" and "statistics"?

"Cold hard facts" is a general term referring to undeniable truths or evidence, whereas "statistics" refers specifically to numerical data that has been collected and analyzed. Statistics can be used to support "cold hard facts".