What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fait
Example
The fait accompli was that the company had already been sold. [fait: noun]
Example
It is a well-known fait that smoking is harmful to your health. [fait: noun]
incident
Example
There was an incident on the highway that caused a traffic jam. [incident: noun]
Example
He had an incident with his boss that made him quit his job. [incident: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Incident is more commonly used than fait in everyday language. Incident is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while fait is less common and is typically used in formal or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fait and incident?
Fait is generally considered a more formal word than incident. It is often used in academic or legal contexts to describe established facts or events. Incident, on the other hand, is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
