Fiction vs Nonfiction
What’s the difference between them?
Fiction
Meaning:
a type of narrative, typically in prose, that tells imaginary stories about its characters and their adventures.
Examples:
1. She spent all afternoon reading a work of fiction.
2. The film is based on a work of fiction.
3. He wrote a novel as an experiment in fiction.
Nonfiction
Meaning:
Nonfiction is writing that is based on fact, rather than fiction which is based on imagination.
Examples:
1. I prefer to read nonfiction books that explore complex topics.
2. His latest nonfiction book was a best seller.
3. She specializes in nonfiction writing about social issues.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Fiction
1. Make-believe
2. Tale
3. Narrative
4. Fantasy
5. Fable
1. Nonfiction
2. Truth
3. Reality
4. Factual
5. Authentic
Nonfiction
1. Factual writing
2. Realistic writing
3. Documentary
4. Autobiography
5. Biography
1. Fiction
2. Lies
3. Untruths
4. Make-believe
5. Fables
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Fiction", "Nonfiction".
1. Fiction creates an imaginary fix.
2. Nonfiction is factual and fixed.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the 'Fiction' be used?
Fiction is commonly used when creating narratives, such as novels, stories, plays, and movies. It is typically any type of story that is not based in reality or fact, but rather on the imagination of the author or creator.
When is the appropriate context for using the word 'Nonfiction'?
Nonfiction is best used in situations where accuracy and precision are of the utmost importance, such as in a research paper or biography. It is any type of writing that is based on fact, rather than imagination.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the words fiction and nonfiction are pronounced differently. Fiction is pronounced as FIK-shuhn, while nonfiction is pronounced as NAHN-FIK-shuhn.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One of the most common mistakes made is confusing the two words. People often mistakenly use fiction when they mean nonfiction, and vice versIt is also important to note that the two words have different pronunciations as well.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. Most of the books on this shelf are _____, meaning they are based on real events and facts.
2. I enjoy reading science _____ because it allows me to explore imaginary worlds and scenarios.
3. Biographies and memoirs fall under the category of _____.
4. The library has a separate section for historical _____ which covers true events from the past.
5. Many students prefer reading _____ to understand real-world concepts and ideas.
6. _____ novels often involve characters and plots that are a product of the authors imagination.
1. Most of the books on this shelf are nonfiction, meaning they are based on real events and facts.
Explanation: The mention of real events and facts indicates that the correct word is nonfiction, which refers to factual writing.
2. I enjoy reading science fiction because it allows me to explore imaginary worlds and scenarios.
Explanation: Imaginary worlds and scenarios are characteristics of fiction, especially in the context of science fiction.
3. Biographies and memoirs fall under the category of nonfiction.
Explanation: Biographies and memoirs are accounts of real peoples lives, making them nonfiction.
4. The library has a separate section for historical nonfiction which covers true events from the past.
Explanation: True events from the past are factual, so the correct word is nonfiction.
5. Many students prefer reading nonfiction to understand real-world concepts and ideas.
Explanation: Real-world concepts and ideas suggest factual content, which is characteristic of nonfiction.
6. Fiction novels often involve characters and plots that are a product of the authors imagination.
Explanation: If characters and plots are products of the authors imagination, its considered fiction.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.