be true to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'be true to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in expressions that mean to remain faithful, honest, or loyal, such as 'be true to your word' or 'be true to yourself'. For example: "No matter what happens, she is determined to be true to her own ideals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Seventh, be true to our friends.

The New York Times

This may be true to a point.

The New Yorker

Be true to yourself through your autobiography.

WikiHow

Be true to your vowels!

The Guardian - Film

Don't be true to yourself.

The Guardian - Opinion

Be true to your idea.

The Guardian

Be true to your arguments.

The Guardian - Opinion

Be true to our words.

The Guardian

7 Be true to yourself.

The Washington Post

We've got to be true to ourselves".

Independent

This might be true to some extent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone, use "be true to" followed by a specific noun (e.g., "be true to your values", "be true to your word") to provide clear guidance.

Common error

Avoid using "be true to yourself" without specifying which self or values should be followed. Without context, it can lead to vague or unhelpful advice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be true to" functions as an imperative, typically used to offer advice or encouragement. It calls for adherence to a specified principle, person, or ideal. Ludwig confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

35%

HuffPost

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be true to" is a versatile imperative used to encourage authenticity, loyalty, and integrity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and general advice. While generally neutral in register, providing specific guidance (e.g., "be true to your values") is more effective than the vague "be true to yourself". Consider alternatives such as "stay loyal to" or "remain faithful to" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay loyal to

Focuses on maintaining loyalty and commitment.

remain faithful to

Emphasizes steadfastness and adherence to commitments.

keep faith with

Highlights maintaining trust and allegiance.

be loyal to yourself

Specific to internal consistency and self-respect.

stay true to your principles

Emphasizes adherence to moral or ethical guidelines.

adhere to your values

Highlights sticking to personal values.

act in accordance with your beliefs

Focuses on aligning actions with internal convictions.

be genuine with

Stresses authenticity in interactions.

be authentic to

Highlights originality and honesty.

be honest with yourself

Focuses on being truthful to oneself.

FAQs

How can I use "be true to" in a sentence?

You can use "be true to" to advise someone to remain faithful or loyal, as in "Be true to your friends" or "Be true to your values."

What does it mean to "be true to yourself"?

To "be true to yourself" means to act in accordance with your own values, beliefs, and desires, rather than conforming to external pressures or expectations. It's similar to "be yourself".

What are some alternatives to saying "be true to"?

Alternatives include "stay loyal to", "remain faithful to", or "keep faith with", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "be true to yourself" or "be true to your values"?

Both phrases are valid, but "be true to your values" provides more specific guidance. "Be true to yourself" can be vague if the person isn't clear on their own identity or principles.