blatant falsehood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "blatant falsehood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lie or untruth that is obvious and easily recognizable. Example: "The politician's claim that he never received any donations was a blatant falsehood that was quickly debunked by the media."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

That was a blatant falsehood.

The New Yorker

But even the official historical account is shrouded in myth and blatant falsehood.

The Guardian

Using few words, Trump was able to repeat a blatant falsehood about Islam and foment needless and dangerous divisions between peoples.

The Guardian - Opinion

The day after the kidnapping, the military claimed that it had rescued almost all of the girls, a blatant falsehood given that no rescue effort had been even attempted.

The New Yorker

But the fatuous and craven decision by both David Cameron ("completely misguided") and Ed Miliband ("pretty offensive") to back up blatant falsehood in search of a populist soundbite is simply pathetic.

Independent

Or maybe they will realize that they can't lie with impunity; maybe the next time James Clapper, the Director of National Intelligence, is asked a direct question in a Senate hearing, he will wonder, before offering a blatant falsehood in response, if he might get caught.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"The open web is full of spam, shady operators and blatant falsehoods.

The Guardian - Tech

My professional and personal lives have been irreparably harmed by these blatant falsehoods and targeted character assassination.

The Washington Post

The blatant falsehoods in Romney's campaign are possible only under conditions in which the target audience will not hold Romney accountable for false statements.

The New York Times

But I do believe that an academic who teaches blatant falsehoods risks and deserves dismissal on the grounds of common-or-garden incompetence.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Ambassadors' job, as we understand it, is to improve bilateral ties, not to spread blatant falsehoods through the mediasphere," another said.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "blatant falsehood", ensure the context provides clear evidence or reasoning to support the claim that something is not only false but also obvious.

Common error

Avoid labeling opinions or interpretations as a "blatant falsehood" unless there is demonstrable evidence of factual inaccuracy. Overusing the phrase in subjective debates can weaken its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blatant falsehood" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a direct object or subject complement. It describes something as being both false and obviously so. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "blatant falsehood" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term, particularly in news and media, to denote an obviously untrue statement. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. While alternatives like "obvious lie" or "outright deception" exist, "blatant falsehood" emphasizes the conspicuous nature of the lie. When employing this phrase, ensure the falsity is demonstrably evident, and avoid overuse in subjective contexts. Used judiciously, "blatant falsehood" serves as a powerful tool for exposing and discrediting misinformation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obvious lie

Focuses on the lie being easily detected.

outright deception

Emphasizes the act of deceiving directly and openly.

bald-faced lie

Highlights the audacity and lack of shame in the lie.

flagrant untruth

Stresses the conspicuous and offensive nature of the untruth.

palpable fabrication

Suggests the lie is easily sensed or perceived.

egregious misrepresentation

Points out the shocking and outstandingly bad distortion of facts.

arrant nonsense

Indicates complete and utter foolishness and lack of truth.

pure invention

Highlights that the statement is completely made up.

sheer fabrication

Emphasizes the complete and unadulterated nature of the fabrication.

unvarnished lie

Highlights a lie that is presented without any attempt to make it more acceptable.

FAQs

How can I use "blatant falsehood" in a sentence?

You can use "blatant falsehood" to describe a statement that is not only false but also obviously and intentionally so. For instance, "The politician's claim was a "blatant falsehood" designed to mislead voters."

What are some alternatives to "blatant falsehood"?

Alternatives include "obvious lie", "outright deception", or "bald-faced lie". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it too strong to call something a "blatant falsehood"?

The phrase "blatant falsehood" is strong and should be used when the falsity is clear and intentional. If the inaccuracy is unintentional or less obvious, a milder term like "misstatement" or "inaccuracy" may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "blatant falsehood" and "lie"?

While both terms refer to untrue statements, "blatant falsehood" emphasizes the obviousness and often the audacity of the lie. A "lie" is simply an untrue statement, while a "blatant falsehood" is an easily detected and often shameless lie.