grim fact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grim fact" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a harsh or unpleasant reality that is difficult to accept. Example: "The grim fact is that many people still live in poverty despite the country's wealth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

But each grim fact also contains a germ of optimism.

The Economist

He added that this grim fact had "caused too many families to bury the next generation.

The New York Times

Little studied before the Vietnam War, fratricide has always been a grim fact of battle.

The New York Times

The huge backlog underscores a grim fact: Two years after the financial crisis, the stock market remains fragile.

The New York Times

charter and Palestinian doublespeak to Western media outlets about their commitment to peace was able to change this grim fact.

The New York Times

Yet this cannot disguise the grim fact that the Obama administration is now contemplating the complete collapse of its strategy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

But here are a few grim facts.

Independent

The president knows the grim facts.

The Guardian - Opinion

Behind the dueling experts are some grim facts about this screening test.

The New York Times - Science

In "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge," this strange country feels like an appropriate, and deserved, refuge from the grim facts of war.

The New York Times - Books

Viewers were shown a raft of numbers and grim facts, although more devastating ones: 605,000 jobs lost; the collapse of Lehman Brothers; 9,800 home foreclosures a day.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grim fact" to introduce a particularly unpleasant or harsh reality, especially when aiming to create a serious or somber tone. Ensure the subsequent context provides sufficient detail to underscore the gravity of the fact presented.

Common error

Avoid using "grim fact" in situations that are already highly emotional or dramatic. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Reserve it for moments when the reality is genuinely harsh and requires serious consideration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grim fact" functions as a noun phrase, where 'grim' modifies 'fact'. It serves to emphasize the unpleasant or harsh nature of the fact being presented. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and widely used in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grim fact" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that effectively conveys an unpleasant truth or harsh reality. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used in English, particularly in news and media contexts, to emphasize the seriousness of the information being presented. Alternatives like "harsh reality" or "bleak reality" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse in overly dramatic situations to maintain its impact. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and has a neutral register, suitable for formal and informal writing when the goal is to convey a somber reality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unpleasant truth

Replaces "grim" with "unpleasant", focusing on the disagreeable nature of the fact.

harsh reality

Substitutes "fact" with "reality", emphasizing the undeniable and often severe nature of the situation.

bleak reality

Uses "bleak" instead of "grim", highlighting the depressing or discouraging aspect of the truth.

stark truth

Emphasizes the blunt and bare nature of the fact, similar to "grim".

sobering reality

Focuses on the serious and thoughtful consideration the fact demands.

distressing truth

Highlights the emotional discomfort caused by the fact.

uncomfortable reality

Emphasizes the unease associated with acknowledging the fact.

painful truth

Focuses on the emotional hurt caused by the fact.

unsettling truth

Highlights the disturbing and disquieting nature of the fact.

depressing reality

Focuses on the disheartening or saddening nature of the fact.

FAQs

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

Use "grim fact" to introduce an unpleasant truth or harsh reality. For example: "The "grim fact" is that climate change is already impacting vulnerable populations." Another way is: "Despite the technological advancements, the "grim fact" remains that poverty persists in many parts of the world."

What are some alternatives to "grim fact"?

Alternatives to "grim fact" include "unpleasant truth", "harsh reality", or "bleak reality". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it okay to use "grim fact" in formal writing?

Yes, "grim fact" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing serious or somber topics. Its usage is well-established in news media and academic contexts.

What is the difference between "grim fact" and "bleak reality"?

"Grim fact" typically emphasizes the somber or unpleasant nature of a specific piece of information. "Bleak reality" often describes a more pervasive and depressing state of affairs. While similar, "grim fact" focuses on a specific truth, while "bleak reality" paints a broader, more despairing picture.