Truth be told

USAGE SUMMARY

"Truth be told" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a statement that the speaker believes is true but may be surprising or unexpected. Example: "Truth be told, I never really liked her that much. I was just trying to be polite."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Truth be told, it wasn't bad.

The New York Times - Arts

Truth be told, it is.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Truth be told, they aren't so hot.

The New York Times

Truth be told, Ody didn't just die.

The New York Times

Truth be told, I was fed up.

The New York Times - Style

Truth be told, I didn't really notice.

The New York Times - Tech

Truth be told, I do cheat.

The Guardian

Truth be told, it was nice.

The New York Times - Arts

Truth be told, it is probably the material organic phosphate".

The New York Times

Truth be told, Rivera does not need much work.

The New York Times - Sports

Truth be told, I didn't much care for them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Place a comma after "Truth be told" to separate the introductory phrase from the main clause.

Common error

Avoid using "Truth be told" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive and diminish its impact. Vary your introductory phrases to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Truth be told" functions as a discourse marker, specifically an adverbial phrase, used to preface a statement. It introduces a clause, modifying the entire sentence by indicating that what follows is the speaker's candid assessment. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and serves to signal honesty or a potentially surprising revelation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Reference

1%

Academia

0%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Truth be told" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to introduce a candid or slightly surprising statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to emphasize the speaker's honesty and prepare the audience for a possibly unexpected revelation. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, with its usage spanning from neutral to slightly formal contexts. While effective, avoid overuse to maintain its impact, and consider alternatives such as "to be honest" or "in all honesty" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In all honesty

Focuses more directly on the speaker's honesty in making a statement.

To be honest

A more direct and common way of expressing honesty.

The truth is

Simple way of telling the truth.

Frankly speaking

Emphasizes the direct and open nature of the statement.

If I'm being honest

Highlights the speaker's self-assessment of their honesty.

To tell the truth

A straightforward declaration of intent to speak truthfully.

In reality

Shifts the focus to the actual state of affairs, often contrasting with a prior perception.

As a matter of fact

Introduces a factual statement, often correcting a previous misunderstanding.

Actually

A direct way of telling the truth.

If you want to know the truth

Implies that the listener may be reluctant to hear the truth.

FAQs

How can I use "Truth be told" in a sentence?

"Truth be told" is typically used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a candid or surprising admission. For example, "Truth be told, I never really enjoyed parties."

What are some alternatives to "Truth be told"?

You can use alternatives like "to be honest", "in all honesty", or "frankly speaking" to introduce a truthful statement.

Is it grammatically correct to say "Truth be told"?

Yes, "Truth be told" is a grammatically correct phrase. It is used as an introductory expression to preface a statement of fact or opinion.

What's the difference between "Truth be told" and "to be honest"?

While both phrases introduce a truthful statement, "Truth be told" often carries a slightly stronger connotation of revealing something that might be unexpected or previously unacknowledged, while "to be honest" is a more general expression of sincerity.