Hello Jun Yao: Let's phrase it as a literalism. If the referendum does, in fact, go ahead, ...etc. There are two implied distinctions. (A) Those things which are Factual (B) Those things which are merely speculative or possible. So we see an IF/THEN structure for a sentence. Your phrase is part of a sentence. It would look something like this. If the referendum does, in fact, go ahead, we can expect to see peace restored. If the referendum does, in fact, go ahead, we can expect to see troop withdrawals within days. ALTERNATIVE: If the referendum does not go ahead or advance, we can expect to see increased violence and bloodshed. Things which exist IN FACT or AS FACT, are things which actually occur. Things which do not happen or exist IN FACT, are things which exist only as SPECULATION or as POSSIBILITY.

The IF/THEN structure can be shown this way also. IF what Bruce has written has helped you, THEN you can show that by writing something equivalent to; "Thank you." IF what Bruce has written has not, in fact, helped you, THEN you can show that by writing something equivalent to; "I need another example, please." I know for fact, that my answers will be helpful. I know that it is factual that I can help with some questions. It is factual that a person with some English knowledge can help. If in fact, the Language Partner has a basic knowledge of English, they can be of help to a student. If in fact, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has any intelligence at all, they will not proceed with plans for manned space flight to mars. Robot research vehicles, in fact, are so much more practical and cost effective. If in fact, you want to actually learn from me, you must give control of your learning process over to me. If in fact, you insist upon being in continual control of your learning process, you will only learn English in a limited way. .