Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
'The fact that' turns a whole sentence into a noun, allowing you to use it as a subject or after prepositions.
- Use it to make a clause the subject: 'The fact that he arrived late annoyed me.'
- Use it after prepositions where 'that' alone fails: 'I am worried about the fact that it's raining.'
- Keep the following clause in its standard statement form: 'The fact that [Subject + Verb].'
Overview
the fact that 结构正是名词化进程中的一把“瑞士军刀”。它能将一个完整的陈述句（Proposition）打包成一个名词短语，使其在主句中扮演主语、宾语或介词宾语的角色。想象一下，你正在写一份关于“外卖行业对环境影响”的报告。如果你说 People order more takeout, and that creates plastic waste，这听起来像是在微信（WeChat）上聊天。但如果你改用 The fact that more people are ordering takeout has led to a surge in plastic waste，整个句子的格调瞬间提升，显得更加客观且具权威性。the fact that 不仅仅是学习一个句式，更是要学会如何像英语母语者一样，将“动态的描述”转化为“静态的事实”。在高级英语中，这种结构能帮助你构建逻辑严密的论证，让你的表达更具“学术范儿”。the fact that 是一个补足语从句（Complementizer Phrase）。在这里，fact 是中心名词，而由 that 引导的从句则是它的同位语（Appositive）。这个从句的具体内容，就是对这个“事实”的详细解释。- “他没来参加会议这件事让我们很失望。”
- “尽管他很有钱，但他生活很简朴。”
despite）后面接一个完整的句子，你不能直接放从句，必须通过 the fact that 将其“名词化”。the fact that 时，你是在向读者发出信号：接下来的信息是无可争辩的、既定的事实，而不是我的主观臆测。这在学术论文或法律陈述中至关重要，因为它建立了一个客观的讨论起点。the fact that 后面必须接一个完整的陈述句（主语 + 谓语 + 其他）。整个结构作为一个名词短语，可以出现在以下三个位置：The fact that global temperatures are rising is no longer a matter of debate.
The fact that he passed the exam surprised everyone.
highlight (强调), ignore (忽视), accept (接受), dispute (质疑) 等动词后。We cannot ignore the fact that the market is becoming increasingly saturated.
The CEO acknowledged the fact that mistakes were made during the merger.
the fact that 最具威力的用法，尤其是在处理让步、原因或条件时。在英语中，介词后面不能直接跟 that 从句（除了 except that 等极少数例外），因此必须用 the fact that 衔接。due to the fact that | 原因/理由 | The flight was delayed due to the fact that there was a heavy storm. |despite the fact that | 让步/对比 | He arrived on time despite the fact that the subway was broken. |in view of the fact that | 考虑到/鉴于 | In view of the fact that the deadline is tomorrow, we must work late. |regardless of the fact that | 不管...的事实 | They continued the project regardless of the fact that funding was cut. |apart from the fact that | 除了...的事实外 | Apart from the fact that it's expensive, the car is perfect. |the fact that 可以将你的观察转化为“公认的事实”。例如，在讨论“淘宝（Taobao）对零售业的影响”时：- 较弱：
Retailers are struggling because people shop online. - 较强：
The fact that consumers increasingly prefer online platforms like Taobao has fundamentally reshaped the retail landscape.
Because... 或 Although... 开头，文章会显得单调。the fact that 允许你把复杂的想法放在句首作为主语，或者放在介词后面，从而创造出长短错落、节奏感强的句子。I'm so happy about the fact that you got promoted!
I'm happy you got promoted 显得更郑重，强调的是“你晋升”这个事实本身带来的喜悦。In light of the fact that... (鉴于...的事实) 比简单的 Because 更能体现出一种基于证据的逻辑推导。the fact that。- 错误（太啰嗦）:
The fact that he was late caused the meeting to start late. - 改进:
His lateness caused the meeting to start late.(使用简单的名词) - 何时保留: 只有当你需要特别强调那个“事实”的客观性，或者后面跟的从句太长无法转化为简单名词时，才使用
the fact that。
know, believe, think 等动词后面可以直接接 that 从句，加了 the fact 反而显得累赘。- 错误:
I know the fact that you are busy. - 正确:
I know that you are busy. - 注意: 只有当动词本身不直接支持
that从句，或者你想表达“质疑/否认”某个事实时，才加the fact。例如：I dispute the fact that...是正确的，因为你是在质疑那个“事实”的真实性。
the fact that 顾名思义，引导的是事实。如果你引导的是一个猜测、愿望或不确定的可能性，就会产生逻辑矛盾。- 错误:
The fact that it might rain tomorrow is worrying.(明天可能下雨不是事实，是可能性) - 正确:
The possibility that it might rain tomorrow is worrying.
thatthat 有时可以省略，但在 the fact that 结构中，尤其是在正式写作中，省略 that 会导致句子结构坍塌，显得极其不专业。- 错误:
The fact he failed surprised me. - 正确:
The fact that he failed surprised me.
The fact that... | 高 | 强调客观事实，常作主语或介词宾语。 | The fact that she left is clear. |That... (引导主语从句) | 中/高 | 直接将从句作主语，略显生硬，现代英语常用 It is... that... 代替。 | That she left is clear. (较少见) |It is a fact that... | 中 | 强调陈述的真实性，常用作开场白。 | It is a fact that water freezes at 0°C. |Gerund (动名词形式) | 中 | 动作感更强，不如 the fact that 那么强调命题本身。 | Her leaving so early surprised us. |- 1
The fact that he is poor...(强调“他穷”这个客观存在的社会事实) - 2
His being poor...(强调“穷”这种状态或经历) - 3
That he is poor...(纯粹的句法转换，在现代英语中显得有些过时或过于文学化)
due to the fact that 和 because 真的有区别吗？due to the fact that。在日常对话或普通微信沟通中，用 because。过度使用前者会让你显得很自大（Pretentious）。despite that he is rich？despite, because of, instead of）后面只能接名词、代词或动名词（-ing），不能直接接 that 引导的从句。the fact that 的作用就是充当这个“名词垫片”。Despite the fact that... 来展示你处理复杂句式的能力，考官会觉得你的语法掌控力很强。但如果你整篇文章到处都是 the fact that，会被判定为“语言啰嗦，缺乏简洁性”。the fact that 的更高级表达？Given that...（省略 the fact）；如果你想表达“基于”，可以用 On the grounds that...。这些都是 C1 级别非常漂亮的替代方案。Sentence Positions for 'The Fact That'
| Position | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Subject
|
The fact that + Clause + Verb...
|
The fact that he lied hurts.
|
|
Object of Preposition
|
Preposition + the fact that + Clause
|
I'm angry about the fact that he lied.
|
|
Appositive
|
Noun + the fact that + Clause
|
The evidence of the fact that he lied is clear.
|
|
After Adjective
|
Adjective + the fact that + Clause
|
She was aware of the fact that he lied.
|
Meanings
A multi-word subordinator used to introduce a noun clause, specifically when that clause needs to function as a subject or follow a preposition.
Subject Position
Using a clause as the primary subject of a sentence to provide background information before the main action.
“The fact that the economy is slowing down is undeniable.”
“The fact that they won the game surprised everyone.”
Object of a Preposition
Allowing a clause to follow a preposition (like about, in, despite), which 'that' cannot do alone.
“We need to talk about the fact that you missed the deadline.”
“He succeeded despite the fact that he had no experience.”
Appositive Usage
Following a noun to define or explain exactly what that noun is.
“I cannot ignore the fact that he lied to us.”
“The evidence points to the fact that the fire was intentional.”
Reference Table
| 结构 | 功能 | 例句 | 正式程度 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The fact that + 从句
|
作动词主语
|
The fact that she resigned surprised us.
|
极高
|
|
动词 + the fact that + 从句
|
作动词宾语
|
We acknowledged the fact that resources were limited.
|
高
|
|
介词 + the fact that + 从句
|
作介词宾语
|
Despite the fact that it was late, he stayed.
|
高
|
|
Due to the fact that + 从句
|
引导原因
|
Due to the fact that demand rose, prices increased.
|
高
|
|
In view of the fact that + 从句
|
引导考量因素
|
In view of the fact that data was missing, we paused.
|
极高
|
|
Despite the fact that + 从句
|
引导让步/对比
|
Despite the fact that he trained, he lost.
|
高
|
正式程度
Despite the fact that he possesses great wealth, he remains unfulfilled. (Describing someone's life)
Despite the fact that he's rich, he isn't happy. (Describing someone's life)
Even though he's rich, he's miserable. (Describing someone's life)
Dude's loaded but still down in the dumps. (Describing someone's life)
名词化：The Fact That
结构
- 主语 `The fact that she left` was surprising.
- 宾语 We know `the fact that he won`.
- 介词后 Despite `the fact that it rained`.
用途
- 正式感 Elevates tone in writing.
- 强调 Highlights undeniable truths.
- 简洁性 Condenses complex ideas.
常见坑点
- 过度使用 Makes writing clunky.
- 冗余 Unnecessary with some verbs.
- 主观观点 Not for subjective statements.
替代方案
- 简单 'that' `I know that she left`.
- 动名词 `Her leaving` was surprising.
- 介词短语 `Because of his injury`.
'The Fact That' 对比 简单 'That'
我该用 'The Fact That' 吗？
陈述的是否为无可辩驳的事实或既定情况？
语境是否正式（学术、职场、法律）？
你是否想强调或增加这个事实的分量？
'The Fact That' 的使用与避讳
何时使用
- • 学术论文
- • 商业报告
- • 法律文件
- • 正式演讲
- • 科学文章
何时慎用
- • 日常对话
- • 手机短信
- • 社交媒体配文
- • 非正式邮件
- • 小说创作
常跟动词
- • Acknowledge
- • Highlight
- • Overlook
- • Emphasize
- • Consider
常跟介词
- • Despite
- • Due to
- • In view of
- • Concerning
- • Regarding
按水平分级的例句
I like the fact that you are here.
Me gusta el hecho de que estés aquí.
The fact that it is sunny is good.
El hecho de que esté soleado es bueno.
He is happy about the fact that he has a dog.
Él está feliz por el hecho de que tiene un perro.
The fact that she is nice helps.
El hecho de que ella sea amable ayuda.
We are talking about the fact that the bus is late.
Estamos hablando del hecho de que el autobús llega tarde.
The fact that he doesn't like pizza is strange.
El hecho de que no le guste la pizza es extraño.
She is sad because of the fact that her friend moved.
Ella está triste por el hecho de que su amiga se mudó.
The fact that you finished your homework is great.
El hecho de que terminaras tu tarea es genial.
Despite the fact that it was raining, we went for a walk.
A pesar del hecho de que estaba lloviendo, fuimos a caminar.
I was surprised by the fact that he spoke French so well.
Me sorprendió el hecho de que hablara francés tan bien.
The fact that they haven't replied yet is a bit worrying.
El hecho de que aún no hayan respondido es un poco preocupante.
He succeeded due to the fact that he worked very hard.
Él tuvo éxito debido al hecho de que trabajó muy duro.
The fact that the company is expanding suggests a strong market.
El hecho de que la empresa se esté expandiendo sugiere un mercado fuerte.
She was unaware of the fact that the rules had changed.
Ella no estaba al tanto del hecho de que las reglas habían cambiado.
The fact that he refused to apologize made the situation worse.
El hecho de que se negara a disculparse empeoró la situación.
We must account for the fact that costs are rising.
Debemos tener en cuenta el hecho de que los costos están aumentando.
The fact that such a discrepancy exists warrants further investigation.
El hecho de que exista tal discrepancia justifica una mayor investigación.
One cannot overlook the fact that the infrastructure is crumbling.
No se puede pasar por alto el hecho de que la infraestructura se está desmoronando.
His argument was based on the fact that no prior consent was given.
Su argumento se basó en el hecho de que no se dio consentimiento previo.
The fact that the policy was implemented without consultation caused an outcry.
El hecho de que la política se implementara sin consulta causó una protesta.
The sheer fact that we are even debating this point is indicative of a systemic failure.
El mero hecho de que incluso estemos debatiendo este punto es indicativo de un fallo sistémico.
Notwithstanding the fact that the data is preliminary, the trends are unmistakable.
A pesar de que los datos son preliminares, las tendencias son inconfundibles.
The genius of the piece lies in the fact that it subverts every expectation of the genre.
La genialidad de la obra reside en el hecho de que subvierte todas las expectativas del género.
We are faced with the uncomfortable fact that our resources are finite.
Nos enfrentamos al hecho incómodo de que nuestros recursos son finitos.
容易混淆
Learners use 'that' after prepositions.
Using the long version when the short one is better.
常见错误
I am happy the fact that you come.
I am happy about the fact that you came.
The fact what he is late is bad.
The fact that he is late is bad.
Despite that he was tired, he worked.
Despite the fact that he was tired, he worked.
The fact that the results is wrong is clear.
The fact that the results are wrong is clear.
句型
The fact that ___ is ___.
I am ___ by the fact that ___.
Real World Usage
Despite the fact that I haven't used this software, I am a quick learner.
The fact that you're already there is crazy! I'm still on the bus.
The fact that the data was skewed led to an incorrect conclusion.
We are focusing on the fact that the contract was signed under duress.
The fact that people still believe this is mind-blowing.
I'm concerned about the fact that the pain hasn't gone away.
为了力度，而非长度
The fact that 应该用来强调那些无可辩驳的事实。如果只是为了凑字数，句子会变得很累赘。比如：The fact that the experiment failed changed our entire strategy.
避开与 'That' 的冗余
the fact 就多余了。直接说 I know that he is busy.比
I know the fact that he is busy.顺口得多。
用介词短语来瘦身
due to the fact that很正式，但在追求精炼的写作中，换成
because of 或 although 往往更显功底：Despite the fact that it rained, the event continued.
语境决定一切
Smart Tips
Change it to 'due to the fact that' for a more formal tone, or just 'because' for a simpler one.
Try using 'It' as a dummy subject and moving 'the fact that' to the end.
发音
Reduction of 'that'
In 'the fact that', the word 'that' is usually reduced to a schwa /ðət/.
Stress on 'Fact'
The FACT that he lied...
Emphasizes the certainty or the specific point of contention.
记住它
记忆技巧
Think of 'The Fact That' as a suitcase. You pack a whole sentence inside it so you can carry it to the start of a sentence or drop it after a preposition.
视觉联想
Imagine a large cardboard box labeled 'THE FACT'. You take a small person (the subject) and a tool (the verb), put them in the box, and then you can easily slide that box across the floor (the sentence).
Rhyme
When a preposition is in your way, 'the fact that' saves the day!
Story
A lawyer is in court. He can't just say 'He is guilty.' He has to say 'The fact that he is guilty is proven by this blood.' He uses the 'fact' box to make his evidence heavy and solid.
Word Web
挑战
Write three sentences about your day using 'the fact that' as a subject, after 'despite', and after 'about'.
文化笔记
In British and American academia, 'the fact that' is often criticized as 'wordy' if used too much. Professors often suggest replacing 'due to the fact that' with 'because'.
In US legal contexts, this phrase is used to establish 'stipulated facts'—things both sides agree are true.
The use of 'fact' as a nominalizer emerged in Early Modern English as a way to handle complex logical propositions.
对话开场白
How do you feel about the fact that AI is changing the job market?
Does the fact that we have less free time today than 50 years ago bother you?
日记主题
常见错误
Test Yourself
She emphasized ___ the fact that research was critical.
Find and fix the mistake:
The fact he is talented is undeniable.
选择正确的句子：
Score: /3
练习题
8 exercisesI am very concerned ___ the fact ___ you missed the deadline.
Choose the correct option:
Find and fix the mistake:
The fact that the employees is unhappy is a problem.
He lied to me, and that makes me angry.
You can use 'that' directly after the preposition 'of' without using 'the fact'.
A: Why are you so happy? B: I'm just excited ___ I got the job!
Select the word that cannot be followed directly by 'that'.
1. The fact that he's rich... / 2. I'm aware of... / 3. Despite the fact that...
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesThe team was unprepared ___ the fact that the requirements changed.
Due to the fact that he was injured, he couldn't play.
哪句话是正确的？
翻译成英文：'不可否认，成本已经增加了。'
将单词连成句子：
匹配句首和句尾：
The court considered ___ the fact that the defendant had no prior record.
It is widely believed the fact that exercise is good for health.
哪句话最合适？
翻译成英文：'由于她生病了，她没能来。'
将单词连成句子：
匹配短语片段：
Score: /12
常见问题 (8)
Yes, if you want to follow it with a subject and a verb. Alternatively, you can use a gerund (e.g., 'Despite being ill').
In informal speech, 'that' is often dropped. However, in C1 level writing, you should always include 'that'.
Gerunds are more concise. Use 'the fact that' when the subject of the clause is different from the main subject, or when you need a specific tense like the past perfect.
It's often seen as 'padding'—using five words when one word ('because') would do. Use it sparingly in academic writing.
Absolutely! It's a very common way to make a whole idea the subject of your sentence.
No, the verb inside the clause stays in whatever tense is natural for the meaning (present, past, future).
Yes, it is standard in all major dialects of English, including British, American, and Australian.
They are almost identical in function, but 'the fact that' is much more common and sounds more objective.
Scaffolded Practice
1
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
El hecho de que
English uses the indicative mood, while Spanish often uses the subjunctive.
Le fait que
The choice between indicative and subjunctive is a major hurdle for French learners.
Die Tatsache, dass
German requires the verb to move to the end of the clause.
...to iu koto / ...to iu jijitsu
Japanese doesn't always need a word for 'fact' to nominalize a clause.
Haqiqat anna (حقيقة أن)
The structure is very similar to English but follows Arabic case rules.
...de shishi (的事实)
The word order is reversed: [Clause] + de + shishi.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
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