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When in fact
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

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

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

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.

News & Media

HuffPost

When, in fact, does supportiveness become subjugation?

News & Media

The Guardian

When in fact they're simply gone.

News & Media

The New York Times

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

News & Media

The New York Times

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

News & Media

The Guardian - Opinion

– when in fact he does away with literalism altogether.

News & Media

The Guardian - Film

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

Academia

University of California, Berkeley

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

Academia

Harvard University

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

Academia

Yale University

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

Academia

University of California, Berkeley

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

Academia

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

Ensure that the contrasting statement introduced by "when in fact" is clearly supported by evidence or reasoning to maintain credibility.

⚠ Common error

Avoid using "when in fact" excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure and use alternative phrases to maintain reader engagement.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when in fact" functions as an adverbial connector, primarily used to introduce a contrasting or corrective statement following a previous claim or assumption. It serves to highlight the true state of affairs, often revealing a discrepancy or misunderstanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

23%

Science

10%

⚠ Less common in

Wiki

Formal & Business

Reference

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "when in fact" is a versatile and grammatically correct conjunction phrase used to introduce a contrasting or corrective statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in written English. Its frequent occurrence in news and media, academic, and scientific sources demonstrates its broad applicability. To enhance your writing, consider using "when in fact" to add clarity and precision, but be mindful of overuse to maintain reader engagement. Alternatives such as "in reality" and "actually" can provide variety. Mastering the use of "when in fact" will undoubtedly improve the accuracy and impact of your communication.

Alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in actual fact

Adds emphasis to the reality of a situation, often correcting a misunderstanding.

in reality

Emphasizes the true state of affairs, often contrasting with a misconception.

but in reality

Highlights a discrepancy between appearance and reality, adding a layer of contradiction.

actually

Highlights a contrast with what might be expected or previously thought.

as a matter of fact

Introduces a statement that corrects or reinforces a previous statement.

in point of fact

Similar to "as a matter of fact", emphasizing the truth or accuracy of a statement.

More alternative expressions(6)

how in fact

when in actuality

why in fact

when in essence

where in fact

when in appreciation

FAQs

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

Use "when in fact" to introduce a statement that contrasts with or corrects a preceding one. For example, "He seemed calm, "when in fact", he was extremely nervous".

What are some alternatives to "when in fact"?

Alternatives include "in reality", "actually", or "as a matter of fact", which all serve to introduce a contrast or correction.

Is there a difference between "when in fact" and "in fact"?

"When in fact" is used to introduce a contrast related to a specific time or situation, whereas "in fact" introduces a general correction or clarification. "He arrived late, "when in fact" the meeting had already started" versus "I thought he was rich; "in fact", he was deeply in debt".

Can "when in fact" be used at the beginning of a sentence?

While less common, "when in fact" can start a sentence for emphasis, though it's generally smoother to integrate it within the sentence structure. For example: "When in fact, the opposite was true."

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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When in factGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

When in fact
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples