Which sentence states a fact?
Abraham Lincoln was one of the greatest American presidents. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, was elected in 1860.
A fact is something that can be proved true by research or observation.
George Washington became president of the United States in 1789.
This statement is a fact. It can be proved by researching what year George Washington was inaugurated president.
An opinion is something that a person believes, thinks, or feels. An opinion can be supported by evidence, but it cannot be proved true.
George Washington was a better president than Thomas Jefferson.
This statement is an opinion. People can have different ideas about what makes someone a "better" president, so the statement cannot be proved.
The first sentence states a fact.
Abraham Lincoln, the 16 th president of the United States, was elected in 1860.
It can be proved by looking up the year that Abraham Lincoln was elected president.
The second sentence states an opinion.
Abraham Lincoln was one of the greatest American presidents.
Greatest shows what a person believes, thinks, or feels. Another person might have a different opinion about what makes a president great at his or her job.