"the fact that" usage

[uptowngirl92]

Experts please comment on the usage of "the fact that"

Yesterday I came across this question which says that the usage of "the fact that" is incorrect:
https://www.beatthegmat.com/our-nations- ... 36989.html

Today,another question considers the usage correct:
https://www.beatthegmat.com/king-alfred-t27730.html
Please shed some light.

[Testluv]

Hi uptowngirl92,

In Sentence correction, you must select the choice that is gramatically correct. If two choices are gramatically correct, you have to ask which one does a better job of retaining the meaning intended by the speaker. If two choices are gramatically correct and retain the intended meaning, then you have to ask which is stylistically superior.

"The fact that" vs "that" is a style consideration. If one choice says "the fact that" and another choice says "that" and both are gramatically correct and both preserve the speaker's intended meaning, then select the choice that uses "that".

In your first link it is not "the fact that"; instead, it is "the fact of there being" which is wordy, passive and stylistically horrible (choices with the word "being" are wrong 19 times out of 20).


Hope that helps, and let me know if you require further clarification.