when in fact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when in fact" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to make an contrast or comparison to emphasize a point. For example: "The boss said that the work was done, when in fact it still needed to be finished."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You think only five minutes have passed when in fact you've let 20 minutes slip by.

HuffPost

When, in fact, does supportiveness become subjugation?

The Guardian

When in fact they're simply gone.

The New York Times

And when, in fact, is the Feast of St. Stephen?

The New York Times

When in fact, that's exactly what we should do.

The Guardian - Opinion

– when in fact he does away with literalism altogether.

The Guardian - Film

When in fact retailers determine pricing and how to recover the cost of this sin tax.

University of California, Berkeley

When, in fact, you examine the evidence, that doesn't hold up.

Harvard University

The remedy is made to seem simple and noncontroversial when in fact it is neither.

Yale University

By this we mean claiming work as your own when in fact it is not.

University of California, Berkeley

They needed to tell their own population they had succeeded even when in fact they hadn't.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Place a comma before "when in fact" to improve readability, especially in longer sentences.

Common error

Avoid using "when in fact" repeatedly in a short piece of writing. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Instead, vary your language by using alternatives like "actually" or "in reality".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when in fact" functions as a contrastive connector. It serves to introduce a statement that contradicts a previous statement or assumption, revealing the true or actual situation. Ludwig's examples showcase how it's used to correct misconceptions or highlight realities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

27%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

HuffPost

6%

Environmental Health Perspectives

0.1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when in fact" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a contrast between what is perceived and what is actually true. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly used in written English. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, academic writing, and general discussions. To enhance your writing, remember to use "when in fact" to highlight contradictions and ensure clarity, and to avoid overuse for stylistic impact. By incorporating these guidelines, you can effectively use "when in fact" to add depth and accuracy to your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in actuality

Almost identical in meaning, "in actuality" provides a very close alternative.

as a matter of fact

Emphasizes the truth, often used to correct a previous statement or assumption.

the reality is

Similar to "in reality", it emphasizes the true state of affairs.

in point of fact

A more formal way to introduce a factual correction or clarification.

in reality

Focuses on presenting the real situation, often contrasting with a misconception.

the truth is

Directly introduces the actual situation, often implying a hidden or previously unknown fact.

actually

Single word alternative which often replaces phrases like "when in fact" in simpler constructions

contrary to what was said

Specifically highlights the difference between a previous statement and the actual situation.

to be precise

Used to introduce a more accurate or detailed version of the facts.

despite appearances

Indicates that the actual situation is different from how it seems.

FAQs

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

Use "when in fact" to introduce a contrasting or surprising piece of information. For example, "The movie seemed boring, "when in fact" it was incredibly engaging".

What phrases are similar to "when in fact"?

Alternatives to "when in fact" include "actually", "in reality", or "as a matter of fact". These can be used to introduce a contrast or correction.

Is it always necessary to use a comma before "when in fact"?

While not always grammatically required, placing a comma before "when in fact" often improves readability, especially in longer sentences. For example, "He appeared calm, "when in fact" he was quite nervous".

What's the difference between "when in fact" and "although"?

"When in fact" introduces a contrast by revealing the true state of affairs, whereas "although" introduces a subordinate clause that concedes a point. "He seemed confident, "when in fact" he was terrified" versus "Although he was terrified, he seemed confident".