so in fact

USAGE SUMMARY

"so in fact" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to indicate something that is unexpectedly true or contrary to what was initially suggested. For example, you might say "I thought the babysitter would be expensive, but so in fact she agreed to work for a very reasonable rate."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not so in fact.

The Economist

Doubly so, in fact.

The New York Times - Arts

More so, in fact.

The New York Times

So, in fact, business as usual.

The New Yorker

So, in fact, is he.

The Guardian - Sport

So, in fact, it's a vector field.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So, in fact, it's not about me".

Independent

So, in fact, had many other Israelis.

The New Yorker

So, in fact, are of Jewish origin?

The Guardian

More so in fact than before.

The Guardian - Sport

And so, in fact, were Athletic.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so in fact" to introduce a statement that clarifies or emphasizes a point that might not be immediately obvious. It works best when adding a surprising or unexpected element to the preceding statement.

Common error

While "so in fact" is acceptable, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. Opt for synonyms like "actually" or "indeed" in formal contexts to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so in fact" functions as an adverbial connector. According to Ludwig, it serves to introduce a statement that clarifies, emphasizes, or sometimes contradicts a preceding statement. It often adds a touch of surprise or unexpectedness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

36%

News & Media

58%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "so in fact" functions as an adverbial connector that introduces a clarifying, emphasizing, or slightly surprising element to a preceding statement. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in academic and news contexts. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse, especially in highly formal writing where synonyms like "actually" or "indeed" may be more suitable. The linguistic analysis reveals its neutral register and consistent usage across varied sources. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its effectiveness in adding depth and nuance to communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

actually

A direct synonym replacing the entire phrase with a single word.

indeed

A concise affirmation replacing the entire phrase.

in reality

Replaces "so in fact" with a focus on actual circumstances, omitting the initial "so".

as a matter of fact

Offers a slightly more formal alternative emphasizing factual accuracy.

the truth is

Directly introduces a factual statement, creating a stronger emphasis.

in point of fact

A more emphatic and slightly more formal alternative stressing the truth.

to be precise

Emphasizes accuracy and detail, shifting focus slightly.

if truth be told

Adds a layer of candor and potential surprise.

in effect

Focuses on the consequence or result, changing the emphasis.

to be honest

Implies a degree of surprise or revelation, focusing on sincerity.

FAQs

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

"So in fact" is often used to introduce a clarifying or surprising element. For instance, "I thought the project would fail, so in fact it became a great success".

What alternatives can I use instead of "so in fact"?

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

Is it correct to say "in fact so" instead of "so in fact"?

While "in fact" can stand alone, the specific phrasing "in fact so" is not a standard or commonly accepted construction in English. "So in fact" is the idiomatic expression.

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

"So in fact" often follows a preceding statement to introduce a related clarification or confirmation, while "in fact" can stand alone to introduce a factual statement. Compare: "I was wrong, so in fact, he was right" versus "In fact, the Earth is round".