dry fact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dry fact" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a piece of information that is straightforward, factual, and lacking in emotion or embellishment. Example: "The report presented a dry fact: the company's profits had decreased by 20% over the last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

An observation; a dry fact; a memory; something noticed; someone encountered; a joke; something wry; a provocation; something playful.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Assaf realizes that "her world was made entirely of words, descriptions, written characters, dry facts.

The New York Times - Books

Now editorialising comes as standard, with everyone showily concerned - "Oh, foul, dry facts!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Management degrees are as much about networking and people skills as imparting dry facts.

The Economist

The dry facts cannot give the proper sense of how Serena should have lost the Dementieva match.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's possible that Mr. Hastings has placed too much stock in his store of dry facts," Mr. Rich wrote.

The New York Times

Notice how the former keeps to dry facts while the latter uses quotation to hype up the news with emotionally charged conjecture.

The Guardian - Opinion

Here are the hard, dry facts: Yes, drinking water is a good thing, far better than buying soft drinks, or liquid candy, as nutritionists like to call it.

The New York Times

But for those who do remember, the dry facts of census data can leap off the crumbling pages, preserved on microfilm, with a startling vibrancy.

The New York Times

A paper like The Sun isn't about throwing a bunch of dry facts about people, it is about evoking emotion.

The Guardian

From a mere handful of dry facts embedded in an obscure lawsuit, Mr. Nicholl brings forth a gaudy, tumultuous, richly imagined world.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dry fact" when you want to convey information in an unemotional, objective manner, particularly when contrasting it with subjective interpretations or emotional responses.

Common error

Avoid using "dry fact" excessively in creative writing or narratives where evocative language and emotional connection are desired. In such contexts, opt for more descriptive and engaging phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dry fact" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object. It describes a particular kind of fact, one that is unemotional and straightforward. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dry fact" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Functioning as an adjective-noun combination, it describes a fact presented without emotion or embellishment. Though relatively rare in overall usage, it finds its primary context in News & Media, where objectivity is valued. Alternative phrases such as "stark fact" or "plain fact" offer similar meanings with subtle variations. When writing, use "dry fact" to emphasize objectivity, but avoid overuse in creative contexts. Ultimately, "dry fact" serves as a tool to convey information directly and without subjective bias.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stark fact

Emphasizes the harsh or unpleasant nature of the fact.

plain fact

Highlights the simplicity and straightforwardness of the fact.

bare fact

Focuses on the fact being stripped of any embellishment or interpretation.

cold hard fact

Stresses the irrefutable and often unwelcome nature of the fact.

undeniable fact

Emphasizes the impossibility of denying the fact.

basic fact

Refers to a fundamental and essential piece of information.

simple truth

Highlights the uncomplicated nature of the truth.

objective reality

Focuses on the unbiased and verifiable nature of the fact.

unvarnished truth

Stresses the truth being presented without any attempts to make it more palatable.

straightforward information

Emphasizes the direct and uncomplicated presentation of the information.

FAQs

What does "dry fact" mean?

A "dry fact" refers to a piece of information presented in a straightforward, unemotional, and factual manner, often devoid of embellishment or subjective interpretation.

How can I use "dry fact" in a sentence?

You can use "dry fact" to emphasize the objective nature of information, as in "The report presented a "stark fact": profits declined."

What are some alternatives to saying "dry fact"?

Alternatives include "stark fact", "plain fact", or "bare fact", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "dry fact" formal or informal?

"Dry fact" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in neutral to formal writing where objectivity is prioritized.