de facto

USAGE SUMMARY

'de facto' is an adjective that is often used in written English to directly describe a situation that is true in fact, even if it is not officially recognized as such.
For example: Despite not being an official law, it is a de facto rule that all students must take a math course.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

De jure, perhaps, but de facto, no.

The New Yorker

"He's de facto a candidate.

The New York Times

"A de facto confession".

The New Yorker

"It's happening de facto".

The New York Times - Magazine

"These publications challenge de facto censorship.

Independent

Before long they are de facto partners.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

"These were the de-facto powers.

The New Yorker

Diane became the group's de-facto leader.

The New Yorker

Everywhere he goes is de-facto B.Y. O

The New Yorker

I call it apartheid — de-facto apartheid.

The New Yorker

It is a de-facto demand.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "de facto" to emphasize the practical reality of a situation, especially when it differs from the official or legal status. For instance, "English is the de facto national language of the United States."

Common error

Avoid using "de facto" when you mean "de jure". "De facto" means "in reality", while "de jure" means "according to law". Using them interchangeably can completely change the meaning of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "de facto" primarily functions as an adjective or adverb, modifying a noun or verb to indicate something that exists in reality, even if not officially recognized or legally mandated. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes a factual situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "de facto" is a versatile phrase used to describe situations that are true in practice, regardless of their legal or official standing. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is often used to highlight the difference between what is claimed and what actually exists. It's considered grammatically correct and is widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business communication. Being mindful of the phrase's proper application and avoiding its confusion with "de jure" ensures accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in practice

Focuses on how things are done in reality, regardless of official rules.

in reality

Highlights the actual state of affairs, often contrasting with the ideal or stated situation.

as a matter of fact

Emphasizes the truth of a situation, even if it's unexpected or contrary to assumptions.

effectively

Describes something that has the same result or impact as if it were officially so.

for all practical purposes

Indicates that a situation is true to such a degree that any difference is negligible.

in effect

Similar to "effectively", suggesting the actual outcome or consequence.

virtually

Suggests something is almost entirely true, though not officially or technically.

unofficially

Highlights the lack of formal recognition or sanction.

as good as

Indicates that something is nearly equivalent to something else, even if not identical.

by all accounts

Refers to something that is generally agreed to be true, based on available information.

FAQs

How is "de facto" used in a sentence?

"De facto" is used to describe situations that exist in practice, even if not legally recognized. For example, "Although the company has no official dress code, a suit is the "de facto" uniform."

What's the difference between "de facto" and "de jure"?

"De facto" describes what happens in practice or reality, while "de jure" describes what is established by law. For example, segregation may be "de facto" (existing in practice) even if it's not "de jure" (legal)."

What are some synonyms for "de facto"?

Synonyms for "de facto" include "in practice", "in reality", "effectively", and "virtually". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "de facto" in formal writing?

Yes, "de facto" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a recognized term used in legal, political, and academic contexts to describe situations that exist in reality regardless of legal or official status.