inconvenient fact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inconvenient fact" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a fact or piece of information that is difficult or troublesome to accept or deal with. Example: "Despite the politician's best efforts to downplay the issue, the inconvenient fact remained that the unemployment rate had steadily risen under their leadership."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Another inconvenient fact to prick the mythology.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Woolf also acknowledges an inconvenient fact.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But inconvenient fact seldom impedes the euro-skeptic narrative.

The New York Times

Some Republicans have never met an inconvenient fact that they weren't determined to deny.

The New York Times

But to seem "balanced", the pundits involved have to ignore that inconvenient fact.

The New York Times

But here is an inconvenient fact about bank failures: They do not happen overnight.

The New York Times

True, this inconvenient fact can't be spun into yet another scaremongering article designed to annoy readers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Whenever they get confronted with an inconvenient fact, they say it's about fear.

The Guardian

Mr. Tsarnaev is a naturalized American citizen, an inconvenient fact for the pressure-him-at-Gitmo crowd.

The New York Times

The inconvenient fact that Cordova is entirely fictional has not prevented me from getting strangely hooked on his work.

The New York Times - Magazine

But the model pays pittance to the new artist right now, an inconvenient fact which will keep surfacing.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inconvenient fact" when you want to highlight a fact that is true but creates problems or challenges for a particular argument, plan, or belief.

Common error

Avoid using "inconvenient fact" sarcastically or dismissively to shut down legitimate concerns. The phrase should be used to acknowledge a genuine difficulty or complication arising from a known truth, not to belittle opposing viewpoints.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inconvenient fact" functions as a noun phrase, where "inconvenient" modifies the noun "fact". It serves to characterize a particular piece of information as problematic or challenging to accept, address, or reconcile with existing beliefs or plans. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase follows standard grammatical rules. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inconvenient fact" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce a problematic or challenging truth. As Ludwig AI states, it is frequently used across various reputable sources, including news media and academic publications. Its purpose is to highlight a piece of information that needs to be considered despite its potential to complicate matters. While suitable for a wide range of contexts, it's important to avoid using it dismissively or sarcastically. Consider alternatives like "difficult truth" or "awkward truth" to fine-tune the nuance of your writing. By understanding its function and potential pitfalls, you can effectively use "inconvenient fact" to enhance the clarity and impact of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult truth

Emphasizes the challenging nature of the fact, making it hard to accept or confront.

awkward truth

Replaces "inconvenient" with "awkward", suggesting the fact is socially uncomfortable or embarrassing.

unwelcome reality

Highlights the fact is undesirable or unwanted.

uncomfortable reality

Substitutes both words, implying the fact causes unease or distress.

unpalatable reality

Implies the fact is distasteful or unpleasant to acknowledge.

undeniable problem

Focuses on the problematic nature of the fact, framing it as an issue that can't be ignored.

troubling aspect

Highlights the worrying or concerning nature of the factual situation.

problematic element

Focuses on the fact being a source of difficulty or a complication.

challenging circumstance

Shifts the focus from the fact itself to the broader context or situation it creates.

pesky detail

Uses a more informal and dismissive tone, suggesting the fact is a minor annoyance.

FAQs

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

The phrase "inconvenient fact" is used to introduce a piece of information that, while true, presents a difficulty or challenge. For example: "The "inconvenient fact" is that reducing carbon emissions will require significant lifestyle changes."

What are some alternatives to saying "inconvenient fact"?

You can use alternatives such as "awkward truth", "difficult truth", or "uncomfortable reality" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "inconvenient fact" in formal writing?

Yes, "inconvenient fact" is appropriate for formal writing. While not overly technical, it's a clear and professional way to introduce a problematic truth. Consider also using more formal alternatives like "unwelcome reality".

What's the difference between "inconvenient fact" and "inconvenient truth"?

"Inconvenient fact" refers to any troublesome fact, whereas "inconvenient truth" is often associated with the title of Al Gore's documentary about climate change, specifically referring to the challenges of addressing climate change.