Which sentence states a fact?
The number of people who commute more than an hour to work is outrageous. The majority of people who commute to work drive alone rather than carpool.
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 how many people drive alone and how many carpool to work.
The majority of people who commute to work drive alone rather than carpool.
The second sentence states an opinion. Outrageous indicates a personal judgment.
The number of people who commute more than an hour to work is outrageous.