the very fact

USAGE SUMMARY

'the very fact' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to emphasize an important point. For example, "The very fact that she was able to finish the marathon in under four hours is impressive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The very fact that there was a canteen was amazing.

The Guardian - Music

The very fact that a custom goes unchallenged doesn't make it law.

The New Yorker

The very fact of a fair vote count doesn't make the election fair.

The New York Times

The very fact that it was suppressed only made the mystique stronger.

The New York Times

The very fact we've got so many people talking is in itself a success".

Independent

The very fact that he spoke lessened the tension, but what he said was not encouraging.

The Economist

The very fact that we can detect these ephemeral particles is a testament to human ingenuity.

The New Yorker

It's an extraordinary personal service — the very fact of his fealty and subordination.

The New Yorker

The very fact that it is upside down increases its sense of helplessness.

Independent

But, the authors suggest, the very fact of the ad itself also conveys meaning to consumers.

The New York Times

The very fact of our being at university marked us off from those who weren't.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the very fact" to introduce a statement that might seem surprising or contradictory on the surface, but which ultimately supports your argument.

Common error

While effective for emphasis, avoid using "the very fact" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive and weaken its impact. Consider alternative phrasings for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very fact" functions as a discourse marker used to highlight and emphasize a particular piece of information. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and acts as a means of drawing attention to a specific detail.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the very fact" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to emphasize a particular piece of information. Ludwig AI confirms its usability for highlighting significant details across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science sources, the phrase serves to underscore importance, as confirmed by its frequent use in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While effective, it is advised to avoid overuse for stylistic reasons. Remember to consider alternatives like "the simple truth" or "the plain reality" depending on the specific shade of emphasis you aim to achieve.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the simple truth

Shifts the emphasis to the straightforward nature of the truth being presented.

the plain reality

Emphasizes the undeniable and often stark nature of the reality.

the undeniable point

Stresses that this point can't be disproved.

the mere circumstance

Highlights the singularity of the event

the key element

Highlights that this is a crucial part of understanding something

the single detail

Focuses specifically on one particular aspect of the situation.

the central aspect

Highlights the core or main part of something

the critical factor

Focuses on the importance of something.

the essential component

Stresses that this thing is completely necessary

the salient feature

Highlights the noteworthiness of something.

FAQs

How can I use "the very fact" in a sentence?

Use "the very fact" to emphasize a particular detail or situation, often to highlight its significance. For example, "The very fact that he apologized shows he's remorseful."

What phrases are similar to "the very fact"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "the simple truth", "the plain reality", or "the mere circumstance", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

While some may find it slightly verbose, using "the very fact that" is grammatically correct and serves to add emphasis. Its appropriateness depends on the desired tone and context of your writing.

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

"The very fact" emphasizes the significance of something, while "the mere fact" suggests that something is surprising or insufficient on its own. The choice depends on whether you want to stress importance or downplay something.