in factual terms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in factual terms" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to emphasize that something is based on facts or that it is stated in an objective manner. For example, "In factual terms, the economy is still in the midst of a recession."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It remains only to report in factual terms what happens when he arrives on the bandstand.

The Guardian - Music

It is "solely in factual terms we were a part of the Soviet Union," she said, after being occupied by the Soviets in 1940 and 1944 (no mention of the role of the Nazis in this).

The Guardian

In factual terms, the latest verifiable, global figures for investment and patent applications reflect an uptick in both areas, a trend that's likely to continue.

TechCrunch

The answer, in factual terms, is no.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"In solely factual terms – you are right: Lithuania was a part of the Soviet Union … However, you are perfectly aware that it was not the decision of the Lithuanian people to join the USSR.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, explain the situation to your colleagues in broad, factual terms.

HuffPost

If you're talking about a former job, state the difficulty or problem in general, factual terms.

WikiHow

Most of the time, essays aren't purely descriptive — they don't exist solely to tell you what something is in basic, factual terms.

WikiHow

Even recounted in the starkest factual terms, the life of Vincente Minnelli, the director of classic MGM musicals like "Meet Me in St . Louis" "Gigi" and "An American in Paris," is as packed with color and incident as one of the dream ballets that became his trademark.

The New York Times - Books

Then it would relish the chance to explain the differences between the policies in measured and factual terms, rather than with exaggerated claims about the impact of Labor's policies, or by brandishing "modelling" reports that don't stand up to scrutiny – as the Coalition did with the BIS Shrapnel report this week.

The Guardian

"However, in this case, First Amendment rights must not be compromised merely because the plaintiff may suffer some loss of profit". Because Mr. Lichtman's sign describes the food in subjective, not factual terms, Judge Ramos also wrote, his views constitute protected speech.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in factual terms" when you want to emphasize that your statement is based on verifiable evidence and not on subjective opinions or feelings.

Common error

Avoid using "in factual terms" when the context requires subjective analysis or personal opinions. This phrase is best suited for objective reporting and verifiable data.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in factual terms" functions as a prepositional phrase used adverbially to modify a statement. It serves to specify that the information presented is based on verifiable evidence and objective data. As Ludwig AI confirms, it emphasizes an objective perspective.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in factual terms" is a prepositional phrase used to emphasize that a statement is based on verifiable evidence and objective data. While grammatically correct and found in reputable sources like The Guardian, TechCrunch, and The New York Times, according to Ludwig AI, it is relatively rare in occurrence. It's most frequently used in news and media contexts to ensure clarity and objectivity. When writing, use it to clearly signal that your statements are grounded in facts, and avoid using it in contexts that call for subjective interpretations. Consider alternatives like "factually speaking" or "in objective terms" to vary your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

factually speaking

This alternative is more direct and conversational, focusing on the act of presenting facts.

in objective terms

This alternative highlights the lack of bias or personal opinion in the description.

based on the facts

This alternative clearly indicates the foundation of the statement is empirical evidence.

in concrete terms

This alternative emphasizes specificity and tangibility rather than abstract ideas.

from a data-driven perspective

This alternative highlights the use of data analysis in forming a conclusion.

as a matter of fact

This alternative introduces a statement as something undeniably true and verifiable.

in reality

This alternative shifts the focus to actual existence or what is truly the case.

verifiably

This alternative shortens the statement to a single adverb. It focuses on the characteristic to be verifiable.

to be precise

This alternative introduces a clarification or more accurate detail related to the facts.

in plain language

This alternative puts focus on clearness and accessibility, which are usually desirable characteristics when describing facts.

FAQs

How can I use "in factual terms" in a sentence?

Use "in factual terms" to introduce a statement that is based on objective evidence and verifiable information. For example: "In factual terms, the company's profits have declined by 15% this quarter."

What are some alternatives to "in factual terms"?

You can use alternatives like "factually speaking", "in objective terms", or "based on the facts", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "in factual terms"?

It's appropriate to use "in factual terms" when you want to emphasize the objective and verifiable nature of your statement, differentiating it from subjective interpretations or opinions.

How does "in factual terms" differ from "in theory"?

"In factual terms" emphasizes what can be proven with evidence, while "in theory" describes a hypothetical or ideal situation, which may not reflect reality. The two phrases express opposite ideas.