Which sentence states a fact?
It is unfortunate that Mary Shelley could not publish Frankenstein under her own name. Although Mary Shelley published Frankenstein anonymously, her husband Percy Shelley wrote the introduction.
Statements of fact make claims that are based on research, observation, or experimentation. Facts can be proved with evidence.
Napoleon Bonaparte was shorter than King Louis XVI.
This statement is a fact. The statement can be verified by researching and comparing the height of each man.
Statements of opinion make claims that are based on personal judgments or perspectives. Opinions can be supported by evidence, but they cannot be definitively proved.
Napoleon Bonaparte was a better leader than King Louis XVI.
This statement is an opinion. People can have different ideas about what makes someone a "better" leader, so the statement cannot be proved.
The second sentence states a fact. It can be verified by looking up who wrote the introduction to Frankenstein.
Although Mary Shelley published Frankenstein anonymously, her husband Percy Shelley wrote the introduction.
The first sentence states an opinion. Unfortunate indicates a personal judgment.
It is unfortunate that Mary Shelley could not publish Frankenstein under her own name.