a difficult truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difficult truth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a harsh or uncomfortable reality that one must confront or acknowledge. Example: "Accepting that not everyone will support your dreams is a difficult truth that many must face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Health

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Rice's example revealed a difficult truth about digital scholarly publishing: it is still expensive.

The New York Times

Its least labored is the final track, "Vines," which arrives at a difficult truth: "There are things that songs can't say".

The New York Times - Arts

In this section Purpose and worth A difficult truth Religious warring Batting for survival Finding the pharaoh Correction ReprintsAmericans of the left did not laugh.

The Economist

And for someone like Mr. Bacon, who created his own renown by outwitting central bankers, politicians and the markets, this is a difficult truth to accept.

The New York Times

Then she added, "I have not lived a well day since my surgery — not one — and this is a difficult truth to bear.

The New York Times - Health

As a reader, I think you notice that: you know when the author is just looking the other way when dealing with a difficult truth.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

He warned his mother not to make him push her out of the way, then added: "If I find out you've phoned the police …" Whyte told Mrs Begley: "What I am going to suggest, and I know it's a very difficult truth for you to accept, is that by the time those sirens were audible you were at your absolute wit's end with him".

The Guardian

This isn't even a particularly difficult truth, because there is nothing wrong with vanity.

Huffington Post

"They're always inventing new ways not to be aware of the canyon between them, but it's a canyon of tiny distances: a sentence or a silence here, a closing or an opening of space there, a moment of difficult truth or of difficult generosity.

The New Yorker

Seneca, fat cat though he was, is admirable for his refusal to give up on a problem that he knew he had not solved, and for his willingness to keep on stating a confusing and difficult truth.

The Guardian - Books

But Tavener seemed to find a joy in that difficult truth.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a difficult truth" to introduce a statement that challenges conventional wisdom or comfortable assumptions.

Common error

Avoid using "a difficult truth" when simpler, more direct language would suffice. Overusing it can sound melodramatic. Consider whether the situation truly warrants such a weighty phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult truth" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific kind of truth – one that is challenging or unpleasant to accept. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English and commonly found in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Books

20%

Huffington Post

10%

Less common in

Health

8%

The New Yorker

6%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a difficult truth" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase employed to introduce a challenging or uncomfortable reality. Ludwig AI validates its usability and appropriateness in various contexts, particularly within news and media, books, and health-related discussions. While alternatives like "an inconvenient truth" or "a harsh reality" exist, "a difficult truth" maintains a neutral register and serves to encourage acknowledgment and acceptance of potentially resisted facts. Remember to avoid overuse and ensure the phrase's weight aligns with the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the hard truth

Shortens "difficult" to "hard", maintaining the core meaning.

an inconvenient truth

Replaces "difficult" with "inconvenient", shifting the focus to the unpleasantness of the truth.

a harsh reality

Substitutes "difficult truth" with a more direct and blunt expression.

an uncomfortable fact

Emphasizes the discomfort associated with the truth.

a bitter pill to swallow

Uses a metaphor to describe accepting something unpleasant.

the unpalatable truth

Highlights the disagreeable nature of the truth.

a tough reality to face

Focuses on the challenge of confronting the truth.

a painful revelation

Emphasizes the emotional impact of the truth.

the grim reality

Highlights the bleakness or severity of the situation.

a sobering fact

Focuses on the truth's ability to make one serious or thoughtful.

FAQs

How can I use "a difficult truth" in a sentence?

You can use "a difficult truth" to introduce an uncomfortable or challenging reality, such as, "A difficult truth is that not all hard work guarantees success."

What are some alternatives to "a difficult truth"?

Alternatives include "an inconvenient truth", "a harsh reality", or "an uncomfortable fact", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "hard truth" or "difficult truth"?

Both "hard truth" and "difficult truth" are grammatically correct and widely used. "Hard truth" might be seen as slightly more direct and blunt, while "difficult truth" may sound a bit more formal.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a difficult truth"?

Use "a difficult truth" when you want to acknowledge a reality that is challenging, uncomfortable, or perhaps contradicts commonly held beliefs. It's suitable for situations requiring honesty and a willingness to confront unpleasant facts.