False

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "False" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not true or incorrect, often in response to a statement or question. Example: "The statement that the Earth is flat is false."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a false dawn.

The Guardian - Sport

Later, on Tuesday night, he said it was "categorically false and defamatory".

The Guardian

The alleged warning from Obeid would have came before – as Icac was previously told – a member of the former NSW energy minister Chris Hartcher's staff made an anonymous complaint levelling false allegations of corruption against Schott.

The Guardian

The former European trade commissioner said: "For far too long, those who want to destroy Britain's interests and influence in Europe have been allowed to get away with murder with the lies and false propaganda they have poured out about the European Union and what it represents for our country.

The Guardian

That was false.

The New York Times

The prime minister will be unable to table his demands for the repatriation of powers before the next election because Clegg has dismissed this strategy as "a false promise wrapped in a union jack".

The Guardian

A vote today between the status quo and leaving would be an entirely false choice".

The Guardian

He was off work for three months, and endured several false starts in trying to get back to his coaching role at Durham university.

The Guardian - Sport

It is time for shared value, not for false claims to aid the poor.

The Guardian - Opinion

The stealth isn't about false modesty, Smyth is sure of her ability: the first women to run a three-star restaurant in the UK, scorer of a perfect 10 in last year's Good Food Guide.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So, here were two snapshots about sexual assault: one showing that, while false rape accusations are relatively rare, rape denial still remains rife, even among some police – the very people who hold the key to any kind of justice.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "false" to describe information, ensure you have evidence or justification to support your claim. State why the information is "false" to provide context and credibility.

Common error

Avoid simply stating something is "false" without explaining why. Provide context or evidence to support your claim and make it more convincing. For instance, instead of saying "That statement is false", say "That statement is false because it contradicts the data from recent studies".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "false" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns, indicating that they are untrue, incorrect, or deceptive. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it indicates negation, untruthfulness, or spuriousness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Opinion

13%

Sport

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "false" is a common and versatile adjective used to indicate that something is untrue or incorrect. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English. With numerous examples from reliable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, it’s evident that "false" is frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and opinion pieces. To enhance clarity and precision, it is advisable to provide context or evidence when asserting that something is "false". Alternatives such as "untrue", "incorrect", and "inaccurate" can be used depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Untrue

Direct synonym, simply replaces "false" with another word for not true.

Incorrect

Focuses on the inaccuracy of information rather than deception.

Inaccurate

Similar to incorrect, emphasizes a lack of precision or exactness.

Erroneous

Implies a mistake or error in the information.

Fallacious

Highlights the presence of a logical flaw or deception.

Spurious

Suggests that something is not genuine or authentic.

Fictitious

Indicates that something is made up or imaginary.

Fabricated

Emphasizes that something has been deliberately invented or concocted.

Counterfeit

Implies an imitation made with the intention to deceive.

Misleading

Focuses on the effect of causing someone to believe something that is not true.

FAQs

How can I use "false" in a sentence?

You can use "false" to describe something that is not true or accurate. For example, "The rumor about the company's bankruptcy is completely false".

What can I say instead of "false"?

You can use alternatives like "untrue", "incorrect", or "inaccurate" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "false" or "not true"?

Both "false" and "not true" are correct, but "false" is often more direct and concise. The choice depends on the desired tone and style of your writing.

What's the difference between "false" and "misleading"?

"False" means something is simply not true, while "misleading" means something is presented in a way that could cause someone to believe something that is not true. A statement can be technically true but still "misleading".