for a fact: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘for a fact’ mean?

The idiom "for a fact" means that something is known to be true or certain. It is used to emphasize that the information being stated is based on personal knowledge or evidence.

Idiom Explorer

Incontrovertible Certainty

For a fact is an English idiom that expresses certainty or emphasizes that something is true. It is used to emphasize that the information being provided is based on firsthand knowledge or evidence.

One fact about this idiom is that it has been in use for several centuries, dating back to the early 17th century. However, its exact origin and earliest usage are unclear.

This idiom is widely used in both spoken and written English, in various contexts and situations. It is commonly used in conversations, interviews, formal writing, journalism, and academia.

The undeniable fact provides undeniable evidence.

When using this idiom in a sentence, it is typically placed at the beginning or the end of a statement. For example, "I know, for a fact, that she was at the party last night" or "She was at the party last night, for a fact."

The idiom for a fact is often used to support claims or statements, as it implies that the speaker or writer has firsthand knowledge or evidence. It emphasizes the certainty and reliability of the information being conveyed.

Another related idiom is "fact is," which is used to introduce a statement of fact or emphasize the truth of a situation. It is commonly used to provide additional information or offer a clarification. For example, "The weather forecast said it would rain, but the fact is, it turned out to be a sunny day."

The idiom for a fact is also closely related to the phrase "the reality is," which is used to emphasize the truth or actuality of a situation. It is often used to counter or correct a mistaken belief or perception. For example, "You may think he's lazy, but the reality is, he works hard behind the scenes."

The idiom for a fact is a versatile and commonly used expression in the English language. Its origins are uncertain, but it has been in use for centuries. This idiom is used to convey certainty and emphasize that the information being provided is based on firsthand knowledge or evidence. Whether used in casual conversations or formal writing, for a fact adds a sense of authority and reliability to the statements or claims being made. The fact is, the reality is, the significance of this idiom in the English language is undeniable.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom "for a fact" can be used in a sentence:

  1. I know for a fact that she finished the project two days early.
  2. He stated for a fact that they will be getting married next month.
  3. We can say for a fact that he was at the party last night because we saw him there.

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