basically untrue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basically untrue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a statement or claim that is fundamentally incorrect or misleading, while acknowledging that there may be some elements of truth. Example: "While the report contains some accurate data, its overall conclusion is basically untrue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The real problem with what Obama said is that it's basically untrue.

The New Yorker

The approach didn't work in Michigan, where Clinton was widely criticized for her basically untrue claim that Sanders opposed the auto industry bailout.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

That's one of the things Jenkins was trying to get across to a culture that basically regarded the Bible as a series of facts that no one today need care about because they are outmoded and untrue.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Untrue, untrue," he mutters.

Independent

Patently untrue.

The Guardian - Sport

Totally untrue.

The New York Times

Both untrue.

Independent

Tragically, untrue.

The Guardian - Tech

And untrue.

The New York Times - Sports

That is simply untrue.

Independent

"The allegations are untrue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "basically untrue", ensure that you can substantiate your claim with evidence or reasoning. Avoid using it as a mere expression of disagreement without further explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "basically untrue" when a statement is entirely false. This phrase is best used when there's a kernel of truth or a partial accuracy that makes the statement misleading rather than completely wrong.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basically untrue" functions as an evaluative descriptor, modifying a noun or statement to indicate its degree of truthfulness. As Ludwig AI notes, it suggests that something is fundamentally incorrect despite potentially having minor elements of accuracy.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "basically untrue" is a nuanced way to describe something that is fundamentally incorrect, but perhaps with some partial accuracy. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While only a few examples exist, it typically appears in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that it fits the situation – where a statement is more misleading than entirely false. Alternatives like "essentially false" or "fundamentally incorrect" can provide similar shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essentially false

Emphasizes the fundamental falsity of something, similar to "basically untrue".

fundamentally incorrect

Highlights that the core foundation of something is wrong.

largely inaccurate

Suggests that most parts of something are not correct.

mostly wrong

Indicates a high degree of incorrectness.

substantially flawed

Highlights significant problems and errors.

inaccurate on the whole

The inaccuracy is in general terms not in some small detail.

misleading in essence

Suggests the primary impact is to mislead.

deceptive in its main point

The purpose of the statement or argument is to deceive.

not really true

A more casual way of expressing something is untrue.

incorrect in substance

The core ideas and details are not right.

FAQs

What does "basically untrue" mean?

The phrase "basically untrue" means that a statement or claim is fundamentally incorrect or misleading, even if it contains some elements of truth or partial accuracy.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "basically untrue"?

Use "basically untrue" when a statement has some semblance of truth but is, on the whole, incorrect or leads to a false conclusion. It's suitable when you want to acknowledge partial accuracy while highlighting overall inaccuracy.

What are some alternatives to saying "basically untrue"?

You can use alternatives like "essentially false", "fundamentally incorrect", or "largely inaccurate" depending on the context.

How does "basically untrue" differ from "completely false"?

"Basically untrue" implies there may be some minor element of truth, whereas "completely false" indicates that there is no truth whatsoever in the statement. The former acknowledges partial accuracy, while the latter denies it entirely.