mere fact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mere fact" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a situation which is simple and easily accepted as true, without further explanation or discussion. For example, "The mere fact that I am here should be enough to convince you."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The mere fact of contact is disturbing".

The New York Times

"The mere fact that people are incarcerated is the sanction.

The New York Times

The mere fact of Mrs. Pirro's presence occasioned some surprise.

The New York Times

The mere fact of having seen them implies degradation".

The New York Times - Books

The mere fact of having seen them implies a degradation".

The New Yorker

For the Kickstarter crew, the mere fact of having a real live event is reward enough.

The New York Times

One of the notable things about "White People," then, is the mere fact that it exists.

The New Yorker

The mere fact of being married, it seems, isn't enough to protect your health.

The New York Times

It seems to me that the mere fact that they make bearish trades easier doesn't suffice.

The Economist

The mere fact of Israel-Syria negotiations would hurt Hamas, thereby strengthening Mr. Abbas.

The New York Times

For the Coons campaign, the mere fact of her was fodder enough.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mere fact" to introduce a statement that should be considered significant, despite its apparent simplicity. This highlights its importance and counters potential dismissal.

Common error

Avoid using "mere fact" to introduce information already known or widely accepted. This can make your writing seem redundant or condescending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mere fact" functions as a noun phrase modifier, emphasizing the significance of a particular fact. It serves to highlight the importance of something that might seem simple or easily overlooked. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "mere fact" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that serves to emphasize the significance of a particular piece of information. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting its versatility across various contexts. While predominantly found in news and media, it's also suitable for scientific and formal writing. The key is to employ it strategically to draw attention to the importance of something that might otherwise be dismissed as simple or obvious. Be mindful of overstating the obvious to maintain clarity and avoid redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simple fact

Replaces "mere" with "simple", emphasizing the straightforward nature of the fact.

plain fact

Similar to "simple fact", highlighting the obvious and uncomplicated nature.

basic fact

Focuses on the fundamental aspect of the fact being presented.

sheer fact

Emphasizes the unadulterated or pure nature of the fact.

undeniable fact

Highlights the irrefutable nature of the fact.

simple truth

Substitutes "fact" with "truth", emphasizing the veracity of the statement.

obvious truth

Highlights that the truth is easily recognized.

inescapable reality

Indicates that the fact is a reality that cannot be avoided.

unvarnished truth

Implies the truth is presented without embellishment.

undisputed truth

Emphasizes the agreement on the truth of the statement.

FAQs

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

Use "mere fact" to emphasize the significance of something that may seem simple or obvious. For example, "The mere fact that she attended the meeting shows her commitment."

What phrases can I use instead of "mere fact"?

You can use alternatives like "simple fact", "plain fact", or "basic fact" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "the mere fact that"?

While "the fact that" is often sufficient, adding "mere" emphasizes the significance of something that might otherwise be overlooked. It highlights that something important can be derived from a seemingly simple truth.

What's the difference between "mere fact" and "sole fact"?

"Mere fact" emphasizes simplicity or obviousness, while "sole fact" indicates that something is the only relevant factor. For example, "The mere fact that it rained doesn't explain the flood" versus "The sole fact was that he was not invited".