a greater truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a greater truth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a deeper or more significant reality that transcends surface-level understanding or facts. Example: "While the statistics are alarming, they only tell part of the story; there is a greater truth about the societal issues at play."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Pieces of the truth to tell a greater truth".

The New York Times

Is lying acceptable when in service of a greater truth?

The New York Times

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

The Economist

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

The New Yorker

Whereas I think anyone who reads fiction understands that you can get a greater truth there".

The Guardian - Books

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

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 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

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

The Guardian

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

The Guardian

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Incorporate "a greater truth" when discussing subjective interpretations of events or narratives, especially in fields like art, literature, or social commentary, where objective facts may not fully capture the essence of the matter.

Common error

Avoid using "a greater truth" when a simpler, more direct explanation is sufficient. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound pretentious or unnecessarily complex. Ensure the context genuinely warrants emphasizing a deeper, more significant meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a greater truth" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition, referring to a more profound or encompassing understanding. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is used when discussing a deeper or more significant reality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a greater truth" is a commonly used noun phrase to indicate a deeper, more significant understanding beyond superficial facts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and suitable for use in written English. The primary contexts of usage are found in news and media, but it can also be found in wiki and scientific sources. When writing, it is crucial to remember that using "a greater truth" can add depth to subjective contexts such as art, literature, or social commentary. Overusing the phrase, however, can make writing appear pretentious. Alternatives include phrases such as "a deeper truth" or "a more profound truth".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deeper truth

Focuses on the depth of the truth being revealed, rather than its magnitude.

a more profound truth

Emphasizes the intellectual or emotional impact of the truth.

an underlying truth

Highlights that the truth is not immediately apparent and requires investigation.

the real truth

Suggests that other versions are inaccurate or incomplete.

the essential truth

Focuses on the core, fundamental aspect of the truth.

a larger truth

Indicates a truth that encompasses a broader scope or perspective.

the ultimate truth

Implies the highest or most important truth to be discovered.

the absolute truth

Suggests a truth that is undeniable and universally valid.

a universal truth

Points to a truth that applies to all people and situations.

a fundamental truth

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the truth.

FAQs

How can "a greater truth" be used in a sentence?

The phrase "a greater truth" is used to suggest there's a more profound or complete understanding beyond the obvious facts. For example: "While the immediate cause was financial, "a greater truth" lay in the company's flawed business model."

What is an alternative to "a greater truth"?

Alternatives include "a deeper truth", "a more profound truth", or "an underlying truth". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it acceptable to bend facts in pursuit of "a greater truth"?

This is a contentious issue. While some argue that minor inaccuracies can be justified if they serve to illuminate "a greater truth", others maintain that truthfulness should never be compromised. It often depends on context and ethical considerations.

What's the difference between "a greater truth" and "the truth"?

"The truth" usually refers to objective facts or verifiable statements. "A greater truth" suggests a more subjective or interpretive understanding that goes beyond simple facts to reveal deeper meaning or significance. For example, fiction can reveal "a greater truth" about the human condition even if it's not factually accurate.