a great truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a great truth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant or profound fact or principle that holds considerable importance or relevance. Example: "In the realm of philosophy, the idea that 'knowledge is power' is often considered a great truth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Opinion

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

But it contained a great truth.

The Guardian - Opinion

Niels Bohr, the Danish physicist and philosopher-king of quantum theory, once said that a great truth is a statement whose opposite is also a great truth.

The New York Times - Science

Mr. Chandor said his approach "doesn't mean there isn't a great truth" to those other films.

The New York Times

For once Trump – serial liar and alleged serial groper – had inadvertently revealed a great truth.

The Guardian

"What he did was tell a great truth in an effort to prevent wars.

The Guardian

THE World Bank thinks it has discovered a great truth: if you give money to a recalcitrant junkie, he will waste it.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Pieces of the truth to tell a greater truth".

The New York Times

And this tells a greater truth about the Lone Star state.

The Economist

Is lying acceptable when in service of a greater truth?

The New York Times

They tell a greater truth about fragility and time than perfectly preserved monuments.

The New Yorker

And he repeatedly stresses that fiction can "get to a greater truth" than mere fact.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a great truth" to emphasize the significance and impact of a particular fact or principle. It adds weight and importance to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a great truth" when referring to minor or inconsequential facts. This can diminish the phrase's impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great truth" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies and emphasizes a particularly significant or profound fact or principle. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples in various contexts, confirming its widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Books

20%

Opinion

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a great truth" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize a significant fact or principle. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase appears frequently in news, books, and opinion pieces, signaling its broad applicability. While the phrase is generally suitable for neutral contexts, it's important to avoid overuse in trivial situations to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "a profound truth" or "a significant truth" can offer nuanced variations. When aiming to lend weight and authority to your writing, using "a great truth" can be a powerful rhetorical choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a profound truth

Emphasizes the depth and insightfulness of the truth.

a significant truth

Highlights the importance and relevance of the truth.

an important truth

Focuses on the consequence and impact of the truth.

a fundamental truth

Suggests that the truth is basic and foundational.

a deep insight

Shifts the focus from the truth itself to the understanding it provides.

a key realization

Emphasizes the moment of understanding or awareness.

a major discovery

Highlights the unveiling or finding of something previously unknown.

a valuable lesson

Focuses on the practical application and benefit of the truth.

a central tenet

Refers to a core belief or principle within a system of thought.

a timeless principle

Highlights the enduring and universal nature of the truth.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a great truth" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a great truth", ensure it connects to a central idea or argument, adding weight and authority. For example: "The understanding that empathy fosters stronger relationships is "a great truth" that guides our community outreach."

What are some alternatives to "a great truth"?

You can use alternatives like "a profound truth", "a significant truth", or "a fundamental principle" depending on the nuance you want to convey. Consider the specific context to choose the most appropriate substitute.

Is it appropriate to use "a great truth" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a great truth" leans towards formal and serious contexts. In informal writing, consider using simpler phrases like "a key point" or "something really important" for better tone alignment.

How does "a great truth" differ from "a greater truth"?

"A great truth" refers to a single, significant truth. "A greater truth" implies a more encompassing or profound truth compared to something else. The difference lies in the degree and scope of the truth being described.