factual

Everyday

1. Based on facts; true and real, not made up. tree →
2. Giving facts and information, not stories or opinions. tree →

In the lessons

In literacy lessons, «factual writing» (reports, instructions, explanations) is different from fiction. A «factual error» is a mistake in the facts. Non-fiction books are factual. In exams, «give a factual account» means just tell what happened.

Examples

• This is a factual book about volcanoes. tree →
• Write a factual report on hedgehogs. tree →
• The article had a factual error about the moon. tree →
• Keep your answer factual, not emotional. tree →
• Factual programmes teach us about the world. tree →
• Is that statement factual or just your opinion? tree →

Note

Opposite: fictional or opinion-based. Related: fact. A factual text can still be wrong if its facts are wrong — check sources. Spelling: fac-tu-al.