be truthful

USAGE SUMMARY

"be truthful" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to gently encourage someone to tell the truth, or to remind someone of the importance of being honest and telling the truth. For example, "It's important to be truthful when talking to your teacher, so they can get a good understanding of where you are in your learning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let us be truthful.

The Economist

That and be truthful.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I try and be truthful.

The Guardian - Film

"You have to be truthful".

The New York Times - Sports

Just be nice, be truthful.

The Guardian

The officers know to be truthful.

The New York Times

My responsibility is to be truthful.

Independent

Memories which may even be truthful.

Independent

Come clean, be truthful and heal.

The New York Times

But you're also hoping to be truthful.

The Economist

"She was secretive, to be truthful.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving advice or instructions, use "be truthful" to emphasize the importance of honesty as a core principle.

Common error

While "be truthful" encourages honesty, avoid using it as an excuse to be unnecessarily harsh or insensitive. Truthfulness should be tempered with kindness and consideration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be truthful" primarily functions as an imperative, giving a direct command or strong suggestion. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in contexts where honesty and accuracy are emphasized.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

39%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be truthful" is a common and grammatically correct imperative phrase used to encourage honesty and accuracy. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in News & Media and Wiki sources, indicating broad applicability. When employing this phrase, consider the context and ensure that truthfulness is balanced with sensitivity. Alternatives such as "tell the truth" or "be honest" can be used for variety, while maintaining the core message of integrity. Remember that using "be truthful" effectively involves not only conveying facts accurately but also doing so with consideration for the audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tell the truth

Focuses specifically on verbal honesty.

be honest

A broader term encompassing truthfulness in all aspects.

be sincere

Highlights genuineness and lack of pretense.

be candid

Implies openness and frankness in communication.

be forthright

Suggests directness and lack of evasion.

be genuine

Emphasizes authenticity and realness.

be accurate

Highlights correctness and precision in reporting.

be factual

Stresses adherence to verifiable facts.

give an honest account

Focuses on providing a truthful narrative or explanation.

act with integrity

Broader than truthfulness, involving moral principles.

FAQs

How can I use "be truthful" in a sentence?

You can use "be truthful" as a direct command or suggestion, such as in the sentence "It is important to "be truthful" when you are giving your statement to the police."

What's a more formal alternative to "be truthful"?

In formal contexts, you could use phrases like "ensure accuracy" or "maintain integrity" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific situation.

Is it always appropriate to "be truthful"?

While honesty is generally valued, there are situations where complete candor may be harmful or inappropriate. Use discretion and consider the potential impact of your words.

What is the difference between "be truthful" and "be honest"?

While very similar, "be honest" is a more general term encompassing moral character, while ""be truthful"" focuses specifically on conveying accurate information.