In fact means “actually” or “in reality”. It works in two ways: it contrasts reality with expectation, when something seemed one way but was really another, or it strengthens what has just been said: It was cold. In fact, it was freezing.
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In fact, + stronger or more exact statement; …, but in fact + clause (reality vs expectation)
- Some people think online courses are easy. In fact, they require a lot of self-discipline.
- I wasn't nervous before the interview. In fact, I quite enjoyed it.
- The hotel looked expensive online, but in fact it was cheaper than our last one.
What changed
First versionEveryone thinks this job is easy, but in real it's very stressful.
RevisionEveryone thinks this job is easy, but in fact it's very stressful.
In real looks like a shortened form of in reality or in real life, but it isn't an English phrase. Real is an adjective, so it needs a noun after it, as in in real life. To say that the truth is different, use in fact, so in real was replaced with in fact.
In fact and actually are often interchangeable. Actually is more common in conversation, especially when you gently correct someone: Actually, I'd prefer tea. In fact is better suited to essays, when you want to strengthen a point or challenge a popular belief.
Your turn
The flat looked tiny in the photos, but ___ it's quite spacious.
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in fact — In the photos the flat looked tiny, but in reality it is spacious. That contrast is introduced by in fact. English has no phrase in real; there are in real life and in reality.
Write about an expectation that turned out to be wrong: about a new job, a course or a city. Say what you expected and use in fact to show what it was really like.
I thought my new job would be boring, but in fact I learn something new almost every day.
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