The fact that

A fact is a reality, actuality, truth, certainty and verity.

Fact is a useful word. However, as far as possible avoid the expression ‘the fact that’. It sounds rather sloppy.

Do not say or write ‘owing to the fact that’ when you can use ‘since or because’.

Write: Since she was ill she couldn’t go to work.

Do not write: Owing to the fact that she was ill she couldn’t go to work.

Do not say or write ‘in spite of the fact that’ when you can use ‘though and although’.

Write: Though she had a bad teacher, she passed the test.

Do not write: In spite of the fact that she had a bad teacher, she passed the test.

When you want to state a fact, do so directly without introducing it with ‘the fact is’.

Write: He is a lair.

Do not write: The fact is, he is a lair.

Also avoid the trite and redundant expression ‘the true fact’. Facts are always true by their very nature.