dry facts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'dry facts' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to facts which are unexciting, overly technical or uninteresting. For example: "The professor spent the whole lecture presenting us with dry facts and figures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

A truly compelling story requires more than just dry facts.

Yale University

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

The Economist

Learning that drives urges like love and reproduction is quite different from learning dry facts.

The New York Times

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

The Guardian - Lifestyle

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

The New York Times - Books

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

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 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

I was troubled that so many of the obituaries were dry, fact-based lists of her accomplishments, wholly lacking in heart, failing to convey the true measure of her spirit or cultural impact.

Huffington Post

Enamoured of his subject, he spices the drier facts with colourful detail, bringing to life the past glories and iniquities of a unique city.

The Guardian - Books

But presenting just the dry, technical facts had no consistent effect on either group's opinions.

The Washington Post

DEBATES about Scottish independence tend to start with national identity and end with dry economic facts.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting complex information, avoid overwhelming your audience with just the "dry facts". Supplement them with relatable examples, anecdotes, or visuals to enhance engagement and understanding.

Common error

Don't assume that presenting a mountain of "dry facts" will automatically convince or impress your audience. Without context, emotional connection, or a compelling narrative, your message may fall flat.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dry facts" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "dry" modifies the noun "facts". It describes the quality of the facts, indicating they are presented without embellishment or emotional appeal. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dry facts" refers to facts presented in an uninteresting or overly technical way. Ludwig's analysis confirms it is grammatically correct and usable, though it's more common in news and media contexts. While the phrase itself is neutral, its usage often implies a critique of the information's presentation, suggesting a need for more engaging context. To avoid overwhelming your audience with just the "dry facts", be sure to add relatable examples, anecdotes, or visuals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unadorned facts

Emphasizes the lack of embellishment or extra detail.

plain facts

Highlights the simplicity and lack of complexity.

unvarnished facts

Focuses on the honesty and lack of spin.

bare facts

Stresses the essential nature of the information.

stark facts

Highlights the harsh or unpleasant nature of the information.

lifeless facts

Emphasizes the lack of excitement or engagement.

dull facts

Focuses on the boring or uninteresting quality.

unexciting facts

Directly states the lack of excitement.

mundane details

Highlights the ordinariness and lack of specialness.

tedious data

Emphasizes the wearisome nature of the information.

FAQs

What does "dry facts" mean?

"Dry facts" refers to factual information presented in a plain, uninteresting, or overly technical manner, often lacking emotional appeal or engaging context.

How can I make "dry facts" more engaging?

To make facts more engaging, try incorporating storytelling, using visuals, relating the information to your audience's experiences, or injecting humor where appropriate. You could also use alternatives like "unadorned facts", "plain facts", or "stark facts".

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the term "dry facts"?

It's appropriate to use "dry facts" when you want to critique the way information is presented, suggesting it needs more life or context. It can be used in academic, journalistic, or casual settings.

What are some alternatives to using "dry facts" in my writing?

Instead of saying "dry facts", consider using phrases like "unvarnished facts", "bare facts", or "lifeless facts", depending on the nuance you want to convey. These alternatives provide a slightly different shade of meaning while maintaining the core idea.