not of facts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not of facts" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts discussing opinions, beliefs, or interpretations that are not based on factual information. Example: "The argument presented was more about emotions and perceptions, not of facts."

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

They are aware, in a way that he is not, of facts on the ground.

The New Yorker

But the best, most durable teaching is not of facts but a seeding of souls with something better.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The first point to notice is that I do, in fact, perform a kind of cherry-picking — not of facts, but of issues to write about.

The New York Times

But it does seem odd that the future of GM in Kenya is being decided not of facts but on the basis of personal experience and a discredited science.

Independent

The aim of education is the knowledge not of facts but of values.

Forbes

They took it to consist in the mastery not of facts but of ways of acting (dao).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The knowledge implied is the knowledge of life, not of fact, apprehension rather than thought.

Yale University

The subject of his testimony was a matter, not of fact, but of law, and as a statement of law it was erroneous.

Cornell University

"These are discussions, above all, of faith and belief, not of fact, and hence theological," Professor Foley wrote.

The New York Times

But that was a rejection of questions about Gingrich's personal life ("despicable" questions, Gingrich said) and not of fact-based queries altogether.

The New Yorker

That leads to the second problem: the so-called knockouts – the other factors that can change the direction of policy – are clearly matters of judgment, not of fact.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not of facts" when specifically contrasting a statement or belief with objective reality, emphasizing that it originates from a different source (e.g., opinion, emotion).

Common error

While "not of facts" can be used, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. More direct phrases like "not based on evidence" or "unsubstantiated" often provide greater clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not of facts" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a statement, belief, or argument is disconnected from or unsupported by empirical evidence. Ludwig examples highlight its use in contrasting subjective experiences or interpretations with objective realities. Ludwig AI describes this as "not standard in written English and may cause confusion."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Academia

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not of facts" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate a disconnect between a statement and empirical evidence. Ludwig AI notes that it might not be standard and can cause confusion. While grammatically acceptable, it's less common than alternatives like "not based on facts". Its function is to qualify arguments and highlight subjectivity. Though it can be used in varied contexts, from News & Media, Science and Academia, you should use more direct language whenever possible. Using this kind of construction is more appropriate in informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not based on facts

This alternative uses a more common and straightforward structure, focusing on the absence of a factual basis.

not grounded in facts

This alternative suggests a lack of foundation in reality, emphasizing the unsubstantiated nature of something.

lacking a factual basis

Similar to 'not based on facts' but more formal and explicit.

independent of facts

This suggests that something exists or operates separately from factual considerations.

unrelated to facts

This alternative emphasizes a disconnect or lack of connection to verifiable information.

based on belief rather than facts

This alternative focuses on the role of belief, suggesting a potential conflict with empirical evidence.

devoid of facts

This phrase highlights a complete absence of facts, often implying a negative connotation.

driven by opinion, not facts

This explicitly states that opinions, rather than facts, are the driving force behind something.

founded on assumptions, not facts

This highlights the reliance on unproven assumptions, implying a lack of solid evidence.

more about perception than facts

This emphasizes the subjective nature of the subject, contrasting it with objective data.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not of facts" to sound more formal?

Consider using phrases such as "not based on facts", "lacking a factual basis", or "unsubstantiated". These alternatives provide a more direct and authoritative tone for academic or professional contexts.

What is the difference between "not of facts" and "independent of facts"?

"Not of facts" generally implies a lack of connection to reality, while "independent of facts" suggests that something exists or operates separately from factual considerations. The nuance lies in whether there's an absence versus a separation.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "not of facts"?

Use "not of facts" when you want to emphasize that an argument, belief, or interpretation is based on something other than objective reality, such as opinion, emotion, or faith.

What are some common synonyms for "not of facts"?

Some common synonyms include "not grounded in facts", "devoid of facts", or "based on belief rather than facts". Choose the synonym that best fits the specific context and intended meaning.