a piece of truth

USAGE SUMMARY

"a piece of truth" is correct and it can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a fact or something that is known to be true. For example: "He was able to uncover a piece of truth about the origin of the artifact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

If I discover, for instance, that the person who copied such and such a manuscript was called Ioannikios, I've got a piece of truth".

The New Yorker

A piece of truth has escaped from the usual suspects and come in from the cold.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Everyone," he explained, "has a piece of the truth".

The New York Times

Perhaps each side has a piece of the truth but both overstate their case.

The New York Times

Both views have a piece of the truth but far from the whole thing, and they share the mistake of denying people in the region their own agency.

The New Yorker

"It shows you a piece of the truth". Patrisse Cullors, a director at the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, said the ACLU's app represents just how important video has become since Holliday captured those grainy images nearly 25 years ago.

Los Angeles Times

But this seems to me a piece of the truth -- even as we need to help our children develop the self-reliance, resilience and a sense of belonging they will need to deal with the uncertainty ahead.

Huffington Post

As we find ourselves mired in a decade-long war with no apparent end or design for victory, we don't have the time or the luxury to tear down anyone who gives us a piece of real truth and the inspiration to re-connect with our memory and our sensitivity.

Huffington Post

Even a modest success can be a little piece of truth we can lay claim to.

Science Magazine

But, he still made the standard joke, which seemed to have a hard piece of truth in it, like a chip of clam shell.

The New York Times - Travel

And if my hunch is right, the addition of this moment of universal weeping for our state of being, these tiny tears, might change the course of the river of destruction we find ourselves in, not by the addition of a new idea but by the inclusion of a little piece of truth that needs to be present: We are regretful.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a piece of truth" to acknowledge that while something might not be entirely accurate, it contains some element of reality or fact. This can be particularly useful in nuanced discussions or when analyzing complex situations.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a piece of truth" as the complete picture. Overemphasizing a partial truth can be misleading and undermine your credibility. Acknowledge the limitations of the information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a piece of truth" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes a portion or aspect of reality, not necessarily the whole truth. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a piece of truth" is a grammatically correct and semantically valid phrase used to indicate that something contains a partial or incomplete truth. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is acceptable for use in written English. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, primarily in News & Media contexts. When using the phrase, it's important to avoid overstating the significance of the partial truth and to acknowledge any limitations or potential biases. Alternative phrases like "a kernel of truth" or "a grain of truth" can offer subtle differences in emphasis. Remember to use the phrase responsibly and ethically to ensure clarity and avoid misleading your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a kernel of truth

Focuses on the core or essential element of truth within something larger.

a grain of truth

Emphasizes a very small amount of truth.

a shred of truth

Highlights a minimal or barely discernible amount of truth.

an element of truth

Highlights a component or aspect of truth within a situation.

a fragment of truth

Suggests an incomplete or broken part of the truth.

a sliver of truth

Implies a thin, narrow portion of truth.

a semblance of truth

Suggests an appearance or imitation of truth, not necessarily genuine.

a glimmer of truth

Focuses on a faint or indistinct indication of truth.

a facet of truth

Highlights one particular angle or aspect of truth.

a portion of truth

Indicates a segment or share of the whole truth.

FAQs

How can I use "a piece of truth" in a sentence?

You can use "a piece of truth" to indicate that something contains some element of reality or accuracy, even if it's not the whole story. For example, "While the article exaggerated some details, there was "a piece of truth" in its overall message".

What's a good alternative to "a piece of truth"?

Alternatives include "a kernel of truth", "a grain of truth", or "an element of truth". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of truth you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a piece of truth" or "the truth"?

"The truth" implies the complete and accurate reality, while "a piece of truth" suggests only a part of the whole truth. Use "a piece of truth" when you want to acknowledge that something isn't the complete picture, but still contains some accuracy.

Can "a piece of truth" be misleading?

Yes. If "a piece of truth" is presented as the entire truth or is used to distort the full context, it can be misleading. It's important to acknowledge the limitations and potential biases when presenting a partial truth.