but the truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but the truth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize the truth of a certain situation, or to contrast two ideas or facts. For example, "Some people say that aliens exist, but the truth is that there is no scientific evidence to support this claim."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the truth is murky.

The New York Times

But the truth came out.

The Economist

But the truth hurts.

The Guardian

But the truth is more subtle.

The Economist

But the truth is, I was nervous.

The New York Times

But the truth is more nuanced.

The New York Times

They deserve nothing but the truth.

Independent

But the truth is far from that.

The Guardian

"But the truth is, the D.O.E.

The New York Times

"But the truth is, everything is temporal.

The New York Times

But the truth is quite different.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "but the truth", ensure the following statement is direct, clear, and authoritative. This strengthens the contrast and ensures the truth is easily understood by the reader.

Common error

While effective, frequent use of "but the truth" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure and use alternative phrases like "however, the reality" or "yet the fact remains" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but the truth" functions as a contrastive conjunction, introducing a statement that opposes or corrects a previous idea. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability, showcasing its role in emphasizing the veracity of a subsequent claim.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but the truth" serves as a contrastive conjunction used to introduce a statement that opposes a previous claim. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While effective, overuse should be avoided by using alternative phrases, such as "however, the reality". Remember, the purpose is to clarify, correct, or emphasize a point with clarity and authority.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the honest truth is

Emphasizes sincerity and transparency.

however, the reality

Replaces "truth" with "reality" offering a slightly more objective tone.

the plain fact

Highlights an obvious or straightforward truth.

yet the fact remains

Emphasizes the undeniable nature of the subsequent statement.

the reality is, though

Adds a conversational tone while highlighting the actual situation.

the simple fact is

Highlights the straightforward nature of the truth.

to be honest

Introduces a candid and direct statement of truth.

in reality, though

Offers a direct contrast to a previous statement or belief.

the long and short of it

Summarizes a complex situation to its core truth.

what really happened

Focuses on the factual events.

FAQs

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

Use "but the truth" to introduce a statement that contrasts with a previous idea or misconception. For instance, "Many people believe that all cats are aloof, but the truth is, they can be very affectionate."

What are some alternatives to "but the truth"?

You can use alternatives like "however, the reality", "yet the fact remains", or "in reality, though" to introduce a contrasting statement.

Is it ever incorrect to use "but the truth"?

While grammatically correct, overusing "but the truth" can make your writing sound repetitive. It’s best to vary your phrasing with alternatives to maintain reader interest.

What's the difference between "but the truth" and "but the reality"?

"But the truth" implies a correction of a misunderstanding with facts, while "but the reality" ("the reality") may emphasize a situation's practicality or current state. The two are often interchangeable, but their subtle connotations can affect the tone of your writing.