a false statement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a false statement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you need to describe something that is not true or accurate, often in legal, academic, or analytical discussions. Example: "The defendant was accused of making a false statement during the investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Valentin has been charged with telephone harassment, falsely reporting an incident involving death and making a false statement.

The New York Times

This is simply a false statement".

The Guardian

"He had clearly made a false statement," Mr. Mukasey said.

The New York Times

"It is unusual conduct to make a false statement and then immediately provide proof of a false statement," Schwartz said.

The Washington Post

The mere fact that a false statement was made is not enough.

Cornell University

He will stand trial on charges of embezzlement, money laundering and making a false statement.

The New York Times

Making a false statement to a federal official is an offence.

The Economist

A person who makes a false statement but later corrects it has not committed perjury.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is pretty easy to get a single count of obstruction or a false statement here.

The New York Times

Stewart would plead guilty to a single felony: making a false statement to federal agents.

The New Yorker

It wasn't until Friday that the newspaper declared the statistic a "false statement".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In journalistic writing, always attribute the claim that something is "a false statement" to a reliable source to maintain objectivity.

Common error

Be careful not to label opinions or subjective interpretations as "a false statement". A statement must be factually incorrect and demonstrably untrue to qualify as such.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a false statement" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies something that is untrue or inaccurate. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showing its wide usage across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

12%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a false statement" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote an untrue declaration. Ludwig AI analysis of numerous examples reveals its prevalence in news and media, academic, and encyclopedic contexts. It's crucial to use this phrase accurately, ensuring a clear distinction between opinions and factual inaccuracies. When writing, consider using alternatives like "an untrue assertion" or "a misleading claim" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an untrue assertion

Emphasizes the lack of truth in the claim, focusing on its factual inaccuracy.

a misleading claim

Highlights the potential to deceive or lead someone to a wrong conclusion.

an incorrect declaration

Focuses on the formal aspect of the statement being wrong or inaccurate.

a fabricated account

Suggests that the statement is entirely made up or invented.

a deceptive communication

Highlights the intent to mislead through the statement.

a distorted representation

Implies that the statement twists or alters the truth.

an erroneous report

Focuses on the mistake or error in the information presented.

a bogus proposition

Suggests the statement is fake or without merit.

a fallacious argument

Indicates that the statement contains flawed reasoning or logic.

a specious remark

Implies that the statement seems correct but is actually false.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a false statement"?

You can use alternatives like "an untrue assertion", "a misleading claim", or "an incorrect declaration" depending on the context.

How is "a false statement" used in a legal context?

In legal settings, "a false statement" often refers to a deliberate misrepresentation of facts, which can lead to charges like perjury or fraud. The prosecution needs to prove that the statement was made knowingly and with intent to deceive.

What is the difference between "a false statement" and "a lie"?

While both involve untrue information, "a false statement" is a more formal term often used in legal or official contexts. "A lie" is a more general term that implies intent to deceive, but doesn't necessarily have legal implications.

What are the potential consequences of making "a false statement" to authorities?

Making "a false statement" to authorities can lead to serious legal repercussions, including fines, imprisonment, and a criminal record. The severity depends on the context and the jurisdiction.