Why "de factor" is a factor of error

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper 12/10/2024, 07:02

English.me team member

What kind of error is it?

Spelling error

Why do people make this mistake?

The phrase "de factor" is a misspelling of the Latin term "de facto", which means "in fact" or "in reality" and is often used in legal and formal contexts to refer to situations that exist in fact, even if not legally recognized. People may mistakenly write "de factor" due to a misunderstanding or mishearing of the correct term.

What is correct?

"De facto" is the correct term, used to describe something that exists in reality but not officially established by law.

Examples of correct usage

The country has a de facto government, although it lacks official recognition.
She became the de facto leader of the group due to her experience and influence.
English serves as the de facto language of communication in many international settings.