an inconvenient truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an inconvenient truth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a difficult or uncomfortable reality that must be acknowledged or faced. Example: "The report revealed an inconvenient truth about the impact of climate change on our environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now that's an inconvenient truth.

The Economist

Here's an inconvenient truth.

The Guardian - Opinion

Kenny was merely conveying an inconvenient truth.

The Guardian

However, your editorial skirts an inconvenient truth.

The New York Times

The marketing of an inconvenient truth.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

When did that become an inconvenient truth?

The Guardian - Opinion

Steve Mcdonald discovers an inconvenient truth.

The Guardian

Then, of course, an inconvenient truth comes to light.

The New York Times

Ultimately, the Targeted Basic Need Programme proves an inconvenient truth.

The Guardian

Maybe it's an inconvenient truth, or maybe it's propaganda of a different sort.

The New York Times - Arts

It is understandable that you ignore the second fact: it reveals an inconvenient truth.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an inconvenient truth" to introduce a reality that is difficult to ignore, especially when discussing topics like climate change, social issues, or personal shortcomings. Frame it as something that requires acknowledgment and action, despite its unpleasantness.

Common error

Avoid using "an inconvenient truth" lightly for minor inconveniences. The phrase carries weight and implies a significant, often systemic, issue that demands attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an inconvenient truth" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as a subject or object within a sentence, introducing or highlighting a difficult or uncomfortable reality. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correct usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an inconvenient truth" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound expression used to introduce a difficult or uncomfortable reality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's prevalent in diverse contexts like news, academia, and science. While neutrally formal, it carries weight and signifies a significant issue demanding attention. Remember to wield it responsibly, avoiding trivialization. Alternatives such as "a harsh reality" or "an uncomfortable fact" can offer nuanced shades of meaning, depending on your intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an awkward reality

Replaces 'truth' with 'reality', suggesting a situation that is socially uncomfortable or clumsy.

an unwelcome fact

Substitutes 'truth' with 'fact' and 'inconvenient' with 'unwelcome', emphasizing the undesired nature of the information.

a bitter pill to swallow

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the difficulty in accepting the truth.

a harsh reality

Replaces 'inconvenient' with 'harsh' to highlight the severity and unpleasantness of the truth.

a difficult fact to accept

Focuses on the challenge of accepting the truth, rather than its inconvenience.

an unpalatable fact

Highlights that the fact is unpleasant or disagreeable.

the elephant in the room

An idiom referring to a glaring problem or truth that no one wants to discuss.

a disturbing revelation

Emphasizes the unsettling nature of the revealed truth.

an undeniable problem

Shifts focus to the problematic aspect of the truth, rather than its inconvenient nature.

a challenging situation

Downplays the element of 'truth' and focuses on the difficulty of the circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "an inconvenient truth" in a sentence?

You can use "an inconvenient truth" to introduce a difficult or uncomfortable reality that must be acknowledged, for example, "The study revealed "an inconvenient truth" about the company's environmental impact".

What are some alternatives to saying "an inconvenient truth"?

Alternatives include "a harsh reality", "an uncomfortable fact", or "a bitter pill to swallow" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "an inconvenient truth" in formal writing?

Yes, "an inconvenient truth" is appropriate in formal writing, particularly when addressing serious issues or presenting data that challenges established beliefs or practices. It's also appropriate in more informal settings, but in that case you can use more neutral alternatives.

What's the origin of the phrase "an inconvenient truth"?

The phrase gained widespread recognition from Al Gore's documentary film "An Inconvenient Truth", which addressed the issue of climate change. However, the phrase itself predates the film and has been used to describe uncomfortable realities in various contexts.