Have you ever typed “infact” and wondered why the spell-checker instantly underlined it in red? 🤔
You’re not alone! Many English learners and even native speakers confuse “in fact” and “infact” because the phrase is spoken so quickly that it sounds like one word. However, in writing, only one version is grammatically correct.
Although they look similar, they follow different grammar rules — and only one is accepted in professional or academic English. Understanding the correct form helps you write more confidently and avoid common spelling mistakes in essays, emails, and online content.
Let’s break down the difference between “in fact” and “infact,” see real-life examples, and learn when to use this phrase naturally.
🧩 What Does “In Fact” Mean?
“In fact” is a two-word prepositional phrase used to emphasize truth, clarify a point, or contrast with a previous statement. It often means “actually,” “indeed,” or “as a matter of fact.”
How It Works:
You use “in fact” to:
- Add clarity or emphasis to what you just said.
- Introduce a contradiction or correction.
- Strengthen your point with additional information.
Examples:
- ✅ “He seems quiet; in fact, he’s the funniest person in the group.”
- ✅ “Many think the book is fiction; in fact, it’s based on a true story.”
- ✅ “I didn’t forget; in fact, I reminded everyone twice.”
Origin:
The phrase dates back to Middle English, where “in fact” literally meant “in reality.” It combines “in” (a preposition) and “fact” (a noun from Latin factum, meaning something done). Over time, it evolved into an expression used for emphasis and contrast.
🚫 What About “Infact”?
Simply put: “infact” is not a real English word.
It’s a common spelling mistake caused by how fast people pronounce “in fact” in speech. English has many similar examples — like “alot” instead of “a lot” or “everyday” when you mean “every day.”
Key Point:
Always write it as two words — “in fact.” Using “infact” in formal writing can make your content look unprofessional or careless.
Examples of Incorrect Usage:
- ❌ “Infact, I didn’t like the movie.”
- ❌ “She was, infact, right all along.”
✅ Corrected:
- “In fact, I didn’t like the movie.”
- “She was, in fact, right all along.”
⚖️ Key Differences Between “In Fact” and “Infact”
| Feature | In Fact | Infact |
|---|---|---|
| Spelling | Two words | One word |
| Grammatical Type | Prepositional phrase | ❌ Not a valid word |
| Meaning | Actually, indeed, or truly | None |
| Usage | Used for emphasis or contrast | Incorrect in all contexts |
| Example | “He looks lazy; in fact, he’s hardworking.” | “He looks lazy; infact, he’s hardworking.” ❌ |
💬 Real-Life Conversation Examples
Example 1
Sara: “Did you know cats can’t taste sweetness?”
Tom: “Infact, they can’t?”
Sara: “Actually, it’s spelled ‘in fact’. And yes, they can’t taste it!”
🎯 Lesson: Always use “in fact” — never “infact.”
Example 2
Alex: “Infact, I already submitted the report.”
Maya: “Wait, that’s spelled in fact, right?”
Alex: “Oh! You’re right. Good catch.”
🎯 Lesson: Quick speech often leads to typos, but writing needs correct spacing.
Example 3
Teacher: “Many students write ‘infact,’ but that’s incorrect.”
Student: “So it’s always two words?”
Teacher: “Yes — just like ‘a lot,’ not ‘alot.’”
🎯 Lesson: If it’s two separate ideas, it stays two separate words.
🧠 When to Use “In Fact”
Use “in fact” when you want to:
- Emphasize truth or surprise:
“People think he’s young; in fact, he’s over 40.” - Correct a misunderstanding:
“I’m not upset; in fact, I’m relieved.” - Add supporting information:
“She didn’t just win; in fact, she broke the record.” - Smoothly connect sentences:
“The company grew rapidly. In fact, profits doubled last year.”
💡 Fun Fact or History Section
The phrase “in fact” traces back to 14th-century English, influenced by the Latin in facto, meaning “in deed” or “in reality.” Early English writers used it in legal and philosophical contexts to separate facts from opinions.
Over time, it became a conversational phrase — and now it’s one of the most common linking expressions in English writing and speech.
🏁 Conclusion
Here’s the bottom line: “in fact” is the only correct spelling.
“Infact” may sound right when spoken quickly, but it’s always wrong in writing.
Whenever you need to emphasize truth, contrast, or add clarity, use “in fact” — two simple words that make your sentences sound polished and professional.
So next time you’re writing and hesitate between “in fact” and “infact,” remember — in fact is always the winner! 🏆
