Fact vs. Argument — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 4, 2024
Fact is a statement that can be proven true or false based on evidence, whereas an argument is a reasoning presented to persuade or explain a point of view.
Difference Between Fact and Argument
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
A fact is an objective reality that can be verified through evidence and observation, whereas an argument consists of a set of facts or assumptions presented to support or refute a specific claim or viewpoint.
Facts stand alone as true or false statements, such as "Water boils at 100°C," whereas arguments use such facts to support broader assertions, like debating the best method to purify water.
In discussions, facts provide the foundational evidence that arguments build upon; an argument without factual backing is often considered weak or unfounded.
Arguments are often subjective and vary in effectiveness based on the logical structure and the persuasiveness of the presenter, while facts remain constant regardless of who presents them.
Facts are typically indisputable once proven, such as scientific data or statistical results, whereas arguments, even those well-supported by facts, can still be debated and contested based on interpretation or perspective.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
A verifiable statement
A set of reasons to persuade
Dependence on Context
Independent of opinion and context
Highly dependent on context and opinion
Nature
Objective and immutable
Subjective and mutable
Purpose
To inform or clarify
To persuade or justify
Example
"The Earth orbits the Sun."
"We should use solar energy because it is sustainable and the Earth orbits the Sun."
Compare with Definitions
Fact
A truth known by actual experience or observation.
You can observe the fact of gravity when you drop a pencil.
Argument
An exchange of diverging or opposite views.
They had an argument about who should wash the dishes.
Fact
A piece of information used as evidence or as part of a report.
The fact that the sky is blue is well-documented in scientific studies.
Argument
A reason or set of reasons given in support of an idea, action, or theory.
His argument for switching jobs was the higher salary offered.
Fact
An actual occurrence.
The concert was a fact, attended by thousands.
Argument
Persuasive discourse resulting in a coherent and considered movement from a premise to a conclusion.
His argument on climate change was compelling and well-received at the conference.
Fact
Something known to exist or to have happened.
It is a fact that chocolate melts at body temperature.
Argument
A summary of the subject matter of a book, article, or formal discussion.
The argument of the book was that different management styles affect productivity.
Fact
Something said to be true or supposed to have happened.
The fact of his arrival was confirmed by his message.
Argument
A coherent series of reasons, statements, or facts intended to support or establish a point of view.
Her argument included statistics and data to back her claims.
Fact
A fact is an occurrence in the real world. The usual test for a statement of fact is verifiability—that is whether it can be demonstrated to correspond to experience.
Argument
In logic and philosophy, an argument is a series of statements (in a natural language), called the premises or premisses (both spellings are acceptable), intended to determine the degree of truth of another statement, the conclusion. The logical form of an argument in a natural language can be represented in a symbolic formal language, and independently of natural language formally defined "arguments" can be made in math and computer science.
Fact
A thing that is known or proved to be true
The most commonly known fact about hedgehogs is that they have fleas
He ignores some historical and economic facts
A body of fact
Argument
An exchange of diverging or opposite views, typically a heated or angry one
There was some argument about the decision
I've had an argument with my father
Heated arguments over public spending
Fact
Knowledge or information based on real occurrences
An account based on fact.
A blur of fact and fancy.
Argument
A reason or set of reasons given in support of an idea, action or theory
He rejected the argument that keeping the facility would be costly
There is a strong argument for submitting a formal appeal
Fact
Something demonstrated to exist or known to have existed
Genetic engineering is now a fact. That Chaucer was a real person is an undisputed fact.
Argument
An independent variable associated with a function or proposition and determining its value. For example, in the expression y = F(x₁, x₂), the arguments of the function F are x₁ and x₂, and the value is y.
Fact
A real occurrence; an event
Had to prove the facts of the case.
Argument
Any of the noun phrases in a clause that are related directly to the verb, typically the subject, direct object, and indirect object.
Fact
Something believed to be true or real
A document laced with mistaken facts.
Argument
A summary of the subject matter of a book.
Fact
A thing that has been done, especially a crime
An accessory before the fact.
Argument
A discussion in which the parties involved express disagreement with one another; a debate
Philosophical arguments over the nature of existence.
Fact
(Law) A conclusion drawn by a judge or jury from the evidence in a case
A finding of fact.
Argument
An angry discussion involving disagreement among the participants; a quarrel
The roommates had an argument about whose turn it was to wash the dishes.
Fact
Something actual as opposed to invented.
In this story, the Gettysburg Address is a fact, but the rest is fiction.
Argument
(Archaic) A reason or matter for dispute or contention
"sheath'd their swords for lack of argument" (Shakespeare).
Fact
Something which is real.
Gravity is a fact, not a theory.
Argument
A course of reasoning aimed at demonstrating truth or falsehood
Presented a strong argument for the arts in education.
Fact
Something concrete used as a basis for further interpretation.
Let's look at the facts of the case before deciding.
Argument
A fact or statement put forth as proof or evidence; a reason
The current low mortgage rates are an argument for buying a house now.
Fact
An objective consensus on a fundamental reality that has been agreed upon by a substantial number of experts.
There is no doubting the fact that the Earth orbits the Sun.
Argument
A set of statements in which one follows logically as a conclusion from the others.
Fact
Information about a particular subject, especially actual conditions and/or circumstances.
The facts about space travel.
Argument
A summary or short statement of the plot or subject of a literary work.
Fact
(databases) An individual value or measurement at the lowest level of granularity in a data warehouse.
Argument
A topic; a subject
"You and love are still my argument" (Shakespeare).
Fact
(archaic) Action; the realm of action.
Argument
(Logic) The minor premise in a syllogism.
Fact
A wrongful or criminal deed.
He had become an accessory after the fact.
Argument
The independent variable of a function.
Fact
(obsolete) A feat or meritorious deed.
Argument
The angle of a complex number measured from the positive horizontal axis.
Fact
Used before making a statement to introduce it as a trustworthy one.
Argument
(Computers) A value used to evaluate a procedure or subroutine.
Fact
A doing, making, or preparing.
A project for the fact and vendingOf a new kind of fucus, paint for ladies.
Argument
(Linguistics) A word, phrase, or clause in a semantic relation with a word or phrase and that helps complete the meaning of that word or phrase, such as a noun phrase that is the object of a verb. The clause that we go is an argument of the verb suggest in the sentence I suggest that we go.
Fact
An effect produced or achieved; anything done or that comes to pass; an act; an event; a circumstance.
What might instigate him to this devilish fact, I am not able to conjecture.
He who most excels in fact of arms.
Argument
A fact or statement used to support a proposition; a reason.
Fact
Reality; actuality; truth; as, he, in fact, excelled all the rest; the fact is, he was beaten.
Argument
A series of propositions organized so that the final proposition is a conclusion which is intended to follow logically from the preceding propositions, which function as premises.
Fact
The assertion or statement of a thing done or existing; sometimes, even when false, improperly put, by a transfer of meaning, for the thing done, or supposed to be done; a thing supposed or asserted to be done; as, history abounds with false facts.
I do not grant the fact.
This reasoning is founded upon a fact which is not true.
Argument
(countable) A process of reasoning; argumentation.
Fact
A piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred;
First you must collect all the facts of the case
Argument
(countable) An abstract or summary of the content of a literary work such as a book, a poem or a major section such as a chapter, included in the work before the content itself; (figuratively) the contents themselves.
Fact
A statement or assertion of verified information about something that is the case or has happened;
He supported his argument with an impressive array of facts
Argument
(countable) A verbal dispute; a quarrel.
The neighbours got into an argument about the branches of the trees that extended over the fence.
Fact
An event known to have happened or something known to have existed;
Your fears have no basis in fact
How much of the story is fact and how much fiction is hard to tell
Argument
Any dispute, altercation, or collision.
Steve got in a physical argument with his neighbor and came away with a black eye.
While biking home, he got in an argument with the pavement.
Fact
A concept whose truth can be proved;
Scientific hypotheses are not facts
Argument
Any of the phrases that bears a syntactic connection to the verb of a clause.
Argument
The independent variable of a function.
Argument
The phase of a complex number.
Argument
A quantity on which the calculation of another quantity depends.
The altitude is the argument of the refraction.
Argument
A value, or a reference to a value, passed to a function.
Parameters are like labelled fillable blanks used to define a function whereas arguments are passed to a function when calling it, filling in those blanks.
Argument
A parameter at a function call; an actual parameter, as opposed to a formal parameter.
Argument
A matter in question; a business in hand.
Argument
The subject matter of an artistic representation, discourse, or writing; a theme or topic.
Argument
Evidence, proof; (countable) an item of such evidence or proof.
Argument
To put forward as an argument; to argue.
Argument
To adduce evidence, to provide proof.
Argument
Proof; evidence.
There is.. no more palpable and convincing argument of the existence of a Deity.
Why, then, is it made a badge of wit and an argument of parts for a man to commence atheist, and to cast off all belief of providence, all awe and reverence for religion?
Argument
A reason or reasons offered in proof, to induce belief, or convince the mind; reasoning expressed in words; as, an argument about, concerning, or regarding a proposition, for or in favor of it, or against it.
Argument
A process of reasoning, or a controversy made up of rational proofs; argumentation; discussion; disputation.
The argument is about things, but names.
Argument
The subject matter of a discourse, writing, or artistic representation; theme or topic; also, an abstract or summary, as of the contents of a book, chapter, poem.
You and love are still my argument.
The abstract or argument of the piece.
[Shields] with boastful argument portrayed.
Argument
Matter for question; business in hand.
Sheathed their swords for lack of argument.
Argument
The quantity on which another quantity in a table depends; as, the altitude is the argument of the refraction.
Argument
The independent variable upon whose value that of a function depends.
Argument
To make an argument; to argue.
Argument
A fact or assertion offered as evidence that something is true;
It was a strong argument that his hypothesis was true
Argument
A contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement;
They were involved in a violent argument
Argument
A discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal;
The argument over foreign aid goes on and on
Argument
A summary of the subject or plot of a literary work or play or movie;
The editor added the argument to the poem
Argument
A variable in a logical or mathematical expression whose value determines the dependent variable; if f(x)=y, x is the independent variable
Common Curiosities
Can an argument be a fact?
No, an argument cannot be a fact; it is a reasoning that uses facts to support or challenge a claim.
What is an argument?
An argument is a set of reasons given with the aim of persuading others that an action or idea is right or wrong.
Why is it important to distinguish between fact and argument?
Understanding the difference helps in evaluating the validity of information and the strength of the arguments presented.
What makes an argument effective?
An effective argument is logically structured, uses credible facts, and addresses counterarguments.
How does a fact differ from an argument?
A fact is an objective statement, while an argument is a subjective discussion involving one or more facts.
How can a fact be verified?
A fact can be verified through observation, measurement, or reliable sources.
What is a fact?
A fact is a statement that can be proven to be true or false.
What is an example of a fact?
An example of a fact is "Humans need oxygen to survive."
Are all arguments based on facts?
Not all arguments are based on facts; some may rely on opinions or flawed assumptions.
What is an example of an argument?
An example of an argument is "Democracy is the best form of government because it allows for freedom and equality."
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Cherry vs. Cranberry
Next Comparison
Foam vs. FormAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
