brutal truth

USAGE SUMMARY

"brutal truth" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a harsh or unpleasant truth that someone may not want to hear, or to refer to something that is difficult to accept. For example, "It's a brutal truth, but climate change is already having devastating effects on the planet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We need the brutal truth.

Harvard Business Review

Let me tell you the brutal truth.

The New York Times

The brutal truth is: not many.

The Guardian - Sport

"They want the honest, brutal truth".

The New York Times - Tech

But behind all the bravado was a brutal truth.

Independent

The brutal truth is that nothing I saw came close.

The Guardian - Books

The brutal truth is that you cannot save everyone.

The Guardian

The brutal truth is it's not been good enough.

The Guardian - Sport

The brutal truth is that no one could have achieved much better.

The Guardian

The brutal truth is that none of Murdoch's papers is safe.

Independent

I sold beer at death-metal shows called "Brutal Truth," "Pig Destroyer" and "Repulsion".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brutal truth" to convey a direct and often unwelcome fact, especially when softening the blow is not the priority. For example, "The brutal truth is, the company is facing bankruptcy."

Common error

Avoid using "brutal truth" unnecessarily, as it can come across as overly dramatic or insensitive. Consider whether a more nuanced or empathetic approach would be more appropriate in the given context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brutal truth" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It presents a fact or reality that is harsh and potentially difficult to accept. Ludwig examples illustrate this use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "brutal truth" is a commonly used noun phrase to introduce a harsh or unpleasant reality. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It functions to convey information directly, often with the intention of prompting awareness or action, particularly in contexts like News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. While generally neutral, its impact can vary depending on the context and audience. For softer communication, consider alternatives such as "harsh reality" or "uncomfortable truth". Overusing this phrase may come across as overly dramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harsh reality

Focuses on the unpleasant nature of the situation, rather than the act of revealing it.

bitter reality

Emphasizes the emotional impact of the truth, highlighting its negative consequences.

unvarnished truth

Highlights the lack of embellishment or sugarcoating in the truth.

naked truth

Suggests the truth is exposed and vulnerable, without any protection or disguise.

cold hard facts

Emphasizes the factual and undeniable nature of the truth, often perceived as unemotional.

uncomfortable truth

Highlights the difficulty in accepting or acknowledging the truth.

sobering reality

Focuses on the sobering or serious effect of realizing the truth.

grim reality

Highlights the bleak or depressing nature of the situation.

unpalatable truth

Emphasizes that the truth is unpleasant or difficult to accept.

inconvenient truth

Highlights the way the truth clashes with plans or expectations.

FAQs

How can I use "brutal truth" in a sentence?

Use "brutal truth" to introduce a statement that is harsh, direct, and possibly unwelcome. For example, "The "brutal truth" is that we cannot afford to continue down this path."

What's a less harsh alternative to "brutal truth"?

If you want to soften the impact, consider alternatives like "harsh reality", "uncomfortable truth", or "difficult fact".

Is it ever inappropriate to use "brutal truth"?

Yes, using "brutal truth" can be inappropriate when delivering sensitive information or in situations where empathy and tact are crucial. Consider the emotional impact on your audience.

What is the difference between ""brutal truth"" and "honest opinion"?

"Brutal truth" refers to an objective reality, while "honest opinion" expresses a personal belief or viewpoint, even if it's critical.