In fact?

[Vinayaka]

Why do people continue to preface statements with 'in fact' when it is just opinion? Is it because they are trying to convince themselves? is it just plain ignorance of the meanings of the words. Are they expecting the rest of us to read, 'in my opinion' instead, and they're just lazy? Is it because its a habit they can't break?

Often the phrase is used before a scriptural quote. Really? Since when is any scripture fact?

Thoughts?

 

[YmirGF]

Well, from the individual standpoint, perception IS reality, so for people who do this, for them it is a fact. That does not mean the fact is genuine, but it does mean that the person saying it plays footloose and fancy free with "facts" to build up their arguments. Conversations with such people may well be of limited value.

 

[TheKnight]

I think when people use in fact to preface a sentence they mean it more in the sense of "Actually" than in the sense of "the following statement is fact".

 

[Vinayaka]

I think when people use in fact to preface a sentence they mean it more in the sense of "Actually" than in the sense of "the following statement is fact".

I don't see much difference. Do you?

 

[TheKnight]

I don't see much difference. Do you?

Well no, but I don't think the intent is to say that what follows "In Fact" or "Actually" is factually correct. For instance, when I use in fact it usually means "In contrast to what I said above", not that the statement following it is fact.

 

[Vinayaka]

Yes, I get what you're saying now. Yet I think it can be used both ways, (in fact).