while in fact

USAGE SUMMARY

"while in fact" is a phrase used in written English and is a correct phrase.
You can use it to introduce a contrasting idea or fact. For example: "I had assumed that we were out of time, while in fact, we still had five minutes left."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For a while, in fact, he had left, and they had lived together.

The New Yorker

For a while, in fact, LaFosse had a paper in stock called Robert Lang Insect Paper.

The New Yorker

She said she wasn't sure that factor was reflected in the proposals, "while, in fact, it should be the generator of these designs".

The New York Times - Arts

For a while, in fact, it was common in my neighborhood, Greenwich Village, to see signs on doors saying "No Menus" — sometimes in both English and Chinese.

The New Yorker

I haven't used it in a while (in fact when I found it it was in pieces) but now it's back together and up and running.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And I thought that for a while, in fact: Fucked Up did sound like the Washington, D.C., pioneers, able to simultaneously declaim and explode and charge and jiggle.

The New Yorker

For a while, in fact, it was common in my neighborhood, Greenwich Village, to see signs on doors saying "No Menus"—sometimes in both English and Chinese.

The New Yorker

It's been happening for a while in fact, starting probably – and fittingly – with Shawn Fanning appearing in the Italian Job.

TechCrunch

It takes awhile, a long while in fact, for a man to mature.

Huffington Post

Multiplying statistical tests intrinsically inflates the type I error, i.e., the probability to reject the null while in fact it is the truth.

Annals of Intensive Care

Perhaps they pretend to appeal to some common knowledge, while in fact flourishing their superiority.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "while in fact" to introduce a contrasting or surprising piece of information that clarifies or corrects a previous statement. It adds emphasis to the actual state of affairs.

Common error

Avoid using "while in fact" for simple contrasts that can be expressed more concisely with "but" or "however". Reserve it for situations where you want to highlight a deeper contradiction or unexpected truth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while in fact" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It serves to introduce a contrast or correction to a previously stated idea, emphasizing the true state of affairs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and grammatically sound phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "while in fact" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a contrast or correction to a previous statement, emphasizing the actual reality. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and grammatical correctness. It is most commonly found in news and media, scientific publications, and formal business documents, indicating its widespread use across diverse contexts. While alternatives like ""but actually"" and ""when in reality"" exist, "while in fact" is particularly effective for highlighting a deeper contradiction or unexpected truth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

whereas in reality

Emphasizes the contrast between an appearance and the actual situation.

when in reality

Highlights a difference between a belief or assumption and the true state of affairs.

but actually

Introduces a direct contradiction to a previous statement.

though in truth

Suggests a deeper, perhaps hidden, reality that contrasts with what is apparent.

even though actually

Combines concession and contradiction to underscore the surprising reality.

however in practice

Points out a difference between a theory or plan and its real-world application.

in stark contrast

Emphasizes a sharp and noticeable difference.

conversely in reality

Presents an opposite scenario to what was previously stated.

on the contrary

Directly negates a previous statement, introducing the opposite perspective.

as a matter of fact

Introduces a statement that clarifies or corrects a previous one, often with emphasis.

FAQs

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

Use "while in fact" to introduce a contrasting idea or to correct a previous statement. For instance, "I thought I was late, while in fact, I was early".

What's a simple substitute for "while in fact"?

Alternatives include "but actually" or "when in reality". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "while in fact" differ from "in reality"?

"While in fact" typically follows a statement that it then contrasts or corrects. "In reality" can stand alone to introduce a true state of affairs, or it can be used to emphasize the true nature of something without necessarily correcting a prior statement.

Is it correct to use "while in fact" at the beginning of a sentence?

While grammatically permissible, starting a sentence with "while in fact" is less common. It's generally more effective when it follows the statement it's contrasting.