a simple truth

USAGE SUMMARY

"a simple truth" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when making a statement about something that is straightforward and generally accepted as being true. For example, "It's a simple truth that the more we exercise, the healthier we become."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In this statistic lies a simple truth.

Independent

This reflects a simple truth.

The Guardian - Opinion

And now for a simple truth.

The New York Times

What we have seen is a simple truth.

Independent

There is a simple truth we all know.

The Guardian

This is a development success story that underscores a simple truth: more contraception equals fewer abortions.

The New York Times

"Prominent families often forget a simple truth, I've found... knowledge is power".

Independent

Beneath the intricacies of the Affordable Care Act lies a simple truth.

The New Yorker

It's a story with a simple truth: that violence is a dead end.

The New Yorker

This ad for Tide To Go picks up on a simple truth.

The New York Times

It's a simple truth that feels a little less simple in context.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a simple truth" to introduce a point that is generally accepted and easily understood by your audience. It can strengthen your argument by appealing to common knowledge or shared beliefs.

Common error

Avoid beginning multiple consecutive sentences with "a simple truth". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a simple truth" functions as a noun phrase that often serves as a subject complement or an appositive, introducing or emphasizing a statement that is considered fundamentally true. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a simple truth" is a widely used and grammatically correct expression that introduces a statement considered to be fundamentally and easily understood. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples confirms its versatility and frequent use across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Academia. While it is a powerful tool for emphasizing a point, it’s important to use it judiciously to avoid redundancy or condescension. The phrase functions primarily to inform and persuade by presenting ideas as self-evident and aims to establish common ground with the audience, consistent with what Ludwig AI stated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an undeniable fact

Emphasizes the irrefutable nature of the truth.

a basic reality

Highlights the fundamental nature of the truth.

a clear fact

Focuses on the clarity and ease of understanding the truth.

an obvious point

Suggests the truth is easily noticeable and requires little explanation.

a fundamental principle

Presents the truth as a core belief or guideline.

a plain fact

Highlights the straightforward and uncomplicated nature of the truth.

a self-evident truth

Emphasizes that the truth is obvious without needing proof or explanation.

an unvarnished truth

Stresses the honesty and lack of embellishment in the truth.

a stark reality

Highlights the harsh or unavoidable nature of the truth.

a hard fact

Emphasizes the difficulty or unpleasantness associated with the truth.

FAQs

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

You can use "a simple truth" to introduce a statement that is generally known and accepted, such as, "A simple truth is that hard work often leads to success."

What are some alternatives to "a simple truth"?

Alternatives include phrases like "an undeniable fact", "a basic reality", or "a clear fact", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it ever inappropriate to use the phrase "a simple truth"?

While generally acceptable, using "a simple truth" might be perceived as condescending if the "truth" is subjective or complex. Be mindful of your audience and the context.

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

"A simple truth" typically introduces a straightforward, easily understood fact. "The truth" is a broader term, referring to factual accuracy or reality, which may not always be simple.