or in fact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "or in fact" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a clarification or to emphasize a point that supports or contradicts what has been previously stated. Example: "Many people believe that exercise is only for weight loss; or in fact, it can also improve mental health significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

" This translates loosely into "indeed" or "in fact".

WikiHow

Or, in fact, be objective?

The New York Times

Was it aggressive or, in fact, elegant?

The New York Times

Or, in fact, just talking, full stop.

Independent

Or, in fact, novels.

The Guardian - Books

Or in fact at all".

The Guardian

Or, in fact, exactly that.

The Guardian - Music

"Or in fact the whole time".

The New York Times

Or in fact, lack of rain.

The Guardian - Sport

Or, in fact, all the time?

The Guardian - Film

Or secrecy, bribery, exaggeration, artifice, or, in fact, crime.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "or in fact" to introduce a clarification or correction that adds significant information or shifts the perspective on a topic.

Common error

Avoid using "or in fact" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "actually" or "really" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "or in fact" is to serve as a conjunctive phrase, introducing a clause that provides clarification, correction, or emphasis to a preceding statement. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from news articles to scientific papers.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

34%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "or in fact" is a versatile conjunctive phrase used to introduce clarifications, corrections, or added emphasis to a prior statement. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly found in formal writing, especially within news and scientific contexts. While alternatives exist, such as "indeed" or "actually", understanding the specific nuance you aim to convey is essential for effective communication. Be mindful of overuse in informal settings to preserve a natural conversational tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a matter of fact

Emphasizes the truth of a statement, often contradicting a previous assumption.

or rather

Indicates a correction or a more precise statement.

indeed

Emphasizes the truth or validity of a previous statement.

in reality

Introduces a statement that reflects the actual state of affairs, often contrasting with a prior assumption.

actually

Highlights the genuine or surprising nature of a statement.

in effect

Indicates the practical consequence or result of something.

to be precise

Introduces a more accurate or detailed version of a previous statement.

more accurately

Used to provide a more correct or exact depiction of something.

put differently

Introduces a rephrased statement for clarity.

if truth be told

Introduces a candid or honest admission.

FAQs

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

Use "or in fact" to introduce a statement that clarifies, corrects, or emphasizes a previous point. For example, "Many people think cats are aloof; "or in fact", they can be very affectionate".

What are some alternatives to "or in fact"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "indeed", "actually", "in reality", or "as a matter of fact".

Is "or in fact" more formal than "actually"?

Yes, "or in fact" tends to be more formal than "actually". "Actually" is more commonly used in everyday conversation, while "or in fact" is often preferred in more formal writing or speech.

What's the difference between "or in fact" and "in fact"?

"In fact" is used to introduce a statement that supports or emphasizes a previous one, whereas "or in fact" is used to introduce a clarification, correction, or alternative perspective. For instance, "He seemed tired. In fact, he hadn't slept in 24 hours." contrasts with "He said he liked dogs; "or in fact", he's allergic to them".