Which sentence states a fact?
Hans Christian Andersen's version of "The Little Mermaid" is not as poignant as modern retellings of the story. Hans Christian Andersen produced many fairy tales, including "The Little Mermaid" and "The Ugly Duckling," during his literary career.
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 first sentence states a fact. It can be verified by looking up the stories written by Hans Christian Andersen.
Hans Christian Andersen produced many fairy tales, including "The Little Mermaid" and "The Ugly Duckling," during his literary career.
The second sentence states an opinion. Not as poignant as indicates a personal judgment.
Hans Christian Andersen's version of "The Little Mermaid" is not as poignant as modern retellings of the story.