Which sentence states a fact?
The Phantom of the Opera became the longest running show in Broadway history on January 9, 2006. The Phantom of the Opera has the perfect mix of singing, acting, and dancing.
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 when The Phantom of the Opera became the longest running show on Broadway.
The Phantom of the Opera became the longest running show in Broadway history on January 9, 2006.
The first sentence states an opinion. The perfect mix indicates a personal judgment.
The Phantom of the Opera has the perfect mix of singing, acting, and dancing.