but in truth

USAGE SUMMARY

"but in truth" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when contrasting two ideas or perspectives, with the first being believed or assumed but the second being the actual reality or truth. Example: "He always seemed confident and put-together, but in truth, he struggled with anxiety on a daily basis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But in truth, it was pretty great.

The New York Times - Magazine

But in truth, it can't.

The New York Times - Arts

But in truth, it wasn't that odd.

The New York Times

But in truth, no such coordination exists.

The Guardian

But in truth he has no escape.

The New York Times

But in truth this doesn't matter.

The Guardian - Books

But, in truth, this time is different.

The New Yorker

But in truth, this is wonderful.

The Guardian - Arts

But in truth, she was not ready to buy.

The New York Times

But in truth, she is not much interested, either.

The New York Times - Arts

But in truth they are only a beginning.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but in truth" to introduce a candid or perhaps surprising revelation that contrasts with a previous assumption or perception. It adds emphasis and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "but in truth" repeatedly in a short passage, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your transitions with alternatives like "however", "in reality", or "actually" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but in truth" functions as a discourse marker. It signals a contrast or correction to a preceding statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to introduce the real situation, often differing from initial impressions or assumptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but in truth" is a commonly used conjunction phrase that serves to introduce a contrasting or corrective statement. It's grammatically correct and functions as a discourse marker to reveal the actual state of affairs, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase maintains a neutral register and is effective for adding emphasis and clarity. When using "but in truth", it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider varying transitions for optimal reader engagement. Alternatives like "in reality" and "actually" can provide similar emphasis while preventing redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however in reality

Replaces "but in truth" with "however in reality", focusing on contrasting the apparent and actual situations.

but the fact is

The alternative "but the fact is" introduces something that is an indisputable true statement.

yet the reality is

Uses "yet the reality is" to introduce the actual state of affairs, contrasting it with a prior assumption.

in reality

Uses "in reality" to emphasize the real situation.

though in reality

The alternative "though in reality" concede a preceding point, then introduces a contrasting truth.

but actually

Emphasizes the contrast by using "but actually", highlighting the true situation.

in actuality though

Positions "in actuality though" to underscore the genuine state despite appearances.

the truth be told

Introduces a candid revelation with "the truth be told", differing in tone but similar in meaning.

when you get down to it

Introduces a realistic and fundamental truth, by means of "when you get down to it".

if we are being honest

Uses "if we are being honest" to preface a sincere and possibly unexpected truth.

FAQs

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

You can use "but in truth" to introduce a statement that contrasts with what is generally believed or assumed. For example, "He seemed confident, but in truth, he was quite nervous."

What are some alternatives to "but in truth"?

Some alternatives include "in reality", "actually", or "the truth is", which can provide similar emphasis while varying your language.

What's the difference between "but in truth" and "but in fact"?

"But in truth" often introduces a more subjective or nuanced reality, while "but in fact" typically introduces an objective or verifiable piece of information.

Is it always necessary to use "but" before "in truth"?

While "but in truth" is a common construction, you can sometimes omit "but" if the contrast is already clear from the context. However, including "but" often strengthens the contrast and improves clarity.