OT: Point of "the fact that"?

[Commander Kinsey]

What's the point in adding "the fact that" to a sentence?

[JNugent]

The fact that you appear not to be too keen on standard forms of English syntax and grammar says something about you.

[Commander Kinsey]

Discuss why the above means anything different to "That you appear not to be too keen on standard forms of English syntax and grammar says something about you."

[williamwright]

To add apparent veracity to a doubtful claim. Bill

[micky]

To impress people. The same reason the Nixon people used to say, "at this point in time".

[jon]

+1

[Brian Gaff (Sofa]

embellishment. Lots of things like that about, so to speak. Not to mention the fact that I have no idea why you would worry about this, or should that be that? Brian

[Bob Eager]

"to add artistic verisimilitude to an otherwise bald and unconvincing narrative!

[Commander Kinsey]

Excessive words annoy me, more to listen to.

[JNugent]

One would literally never guess that from your contributions here and in similar places.

[Dave Plowman (News]

At least we agree on something. ;-)

[Commander Kinsey]

You could have said "no kidding". Stop wasting my time.