How to Pronounce "after the fact"
expression
ˈæftɝ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈfækt
AF-ter thuh FAKT
ˈɑːftɐ/ /ðə, ði/ /fˈækt
AHF-tuh thuh FAKT
Definition
If something happens "after the fact," it happens after an event has already taken place. The phrase is used when action or realization comes too late or in response to something that has already occurred.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈæftɝ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈfækt
British English
ˈɑːftɐ/ /ðə, ði/ /fˈækt
Simplified Pronunciation
US
AF-ter thuh FAKT
UK
AHF-tuh thuh FAKT
Listen in Context
They apologized after the fact when the damage was already done.
The rule was changed after the fact to include more people.
We realized our mistake after the fact.
He tried to fix the problem after the fact, but it was too late.