bud
Joined: 09 Mar 2003 Posts: 2111 Location: New Jersey, US
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Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2005 11:07 am Post subject: |
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As a matter of fact is usually used as an expression that has no real meaning that I can see. Rather, it is used as emphasis for what follows:
Bill: Would you like to play a round of golf tomorrow?
John: No, I already have plans. As a matter of fact, my sister is getting married tomorrow.
Beth: John, did you get that promotion yet?
John: No. As a matter of fact, I was laid off last week.
It is sometimes used more literally, though, and is perhaps like saying, "This fact is well known and needs to be taken into consideration:"
"As a matter of fact, sales are down by 4% this year. We need to take a serious look at the design of our website." |
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