Sliver of truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Sliver of truth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small amount of truth within a larger context that may be misleading or false. Example: "Despite the many exaggerations in his story, there was a sliver of truth that hinted at his real experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Some had a sliver of truth in them, but most were complete fabrications.

The Guardian

The small sliver of truth in claims of continuing recovery is the fact that G.D.P. is still rising: we're not in a classic recession, in which everything goes down.

The New York Times

There is a sliver of truth here — no team can retain the best talent without spending generously — but the Lakers are not the league's biggest spenders over the past decade.

The New York Times - Sports

Whether it's a status update or a novel, the good ones can grasp hold of their subject — if not with the completion of a circle, then at least by delivering an essential sliver of truth.

The New Yorker

But, as you say, people with actual experience of international cricket/captaincy think an actual international captain made the right decision so there's a chance there's a sliver of truth in this".

The Guardian - Sport

Do you need any additional support?" This will elicit a sliver of truth that can be an early warning system for people challenges.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Again, slivers of truth work in Putin's favor: Kiev's parliament removed Yanukovych on constitutionally murky grounds, though everyone else has now accepted them; because Senator John McCain and European leaders visited Kiev, it looks like the west really did back those obstreperous radicals.

The Guardian

In court, witnesses promise to "tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth" but then proceed to disclose only a tiny sliver of the truth in order to comply with the Court's myriad instructions.

Huffington Post

Ask a man why he remains attached to his former girlfriend's hairdresser and he will not tell you it is because somewhere he cannot let go of the precious memory of her, even if that may indeed be a sliver of the truth.

The New York Times - Style

There was a sliver of accuracy in his sputtering declaration.

Huffington Post

Trials, Cohen writes, "are tiny slivers of the truth of the matter, the perspective as narrow as if you were staring at the horizon with blinders on, capable only of seeing what was not intentionally blocked from view". But blinders can bring focus, too.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sliver of truth" when you want to acknowledge that even within misinformation, some element of reality exists.

Common error

Avoid using "sliver of truth" when the truthful element is substantial or central to the overall message. It's for highlighting minimal truth, not excusing major falsehoods.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sliver of truth" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or a clause. It denotes a small, often insignificant, portion of truth within a larger context of falsehood or exaggeration. Ludwig confirms the correct usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

11%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sliver of truth" is a concise and effective way to express the presence of a small amount of truth within a larger context that may be misleading or false. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. As shown by the examples, this phrase is most frequently used in news and media to analyze complex situations where misinformation is present. While there are related alternatives like "grain of truth" or "hint of truth", "sliver of truth" carries a distinct implication of something being thinly or barely truthful. When using this expression, it's important to acknowledge the smallness of the truth and avoid overstating its significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Grain of truth

Emphasizes the smallness and relative insignificance of the truth.

Element of truth

Highlights the presence of some truth within a larger context.

Speck of truth

Stresses the extremely small amount of truth present.

Kernel of truth

Suggests that the truth is at the core of something, though perhaps obscured.

Hint of truth

Implies that the truth is not directly stated, but suggested.

Touch of truth

Indicates that the truth is present in a subtle or limited way.

Whisper of truth

Conveys that the truth is barely perceptible or acknowledged.

Shadow of truth

Suggests the truth is obscured or distorted, but still present.

Glimmer of truth

Highlights the fleeting or faint appearance of truth.

Fragment of truth

Indicates the truth is incomplete or part of a larger whole.

FAQs

How can I use "Sliver of truth" in a sentence?

You might say, "Despite the propaganda, there was a "sliver of truth" in the report about the economic struggles of the region".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "Sliver of truth"?

Consider using phrases like "grain of truth", "element of truth", or "hint of truth", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "Sliver of truth" in formal writing?

Yes, "sliver of truth" is suitable for formal writing, especially when analyzing complex situations where truth is mixed with misinformation or bias.

What does it imply when someone says there's a "Sliver of truth" in a statement?

It suggests that while the overall statement may be misleading or false, there is a small, verifiable element that aligns with reality.