What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
empirical
Example
The researchers used empirical evidence to support their hypothesis. [empirical: adjective]
Example
The empirical study showed that there was a correlation between exercise and mental health. [empirical: noun]
factual
Example
The article presented factual information about the history of the city. [factual: adjective]
Example
The journalist made sure to check her sources to ensure that her article was factual. [factual: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Factual is more commonly used than empirical in everyday language. Factual is a more general term that can be used in various contexts, while empirical is more technical and is primarily used in scientific and academic writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between empirical and factual?
Empirical is typically associated with a more formal and technical tone, while factual can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
