certain truisms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain truisms" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to specific statements or beliefs that are generally accepted as true or self-evident. Example: "In discussions about human behavior, we often encounter certain truisms that everyone seems to agree upon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Certain truisms still obtain.

The New York Times

There are certain truisms about our relationship to photography that have stood the test of time.

The Guardian - Arts

These three women illustrate certain truisms in politics, benefiting from many of the same forces that their forebears did -- tides of public sentiment in their favor, automatic support from party leaders and ready-made name recognition among voters.

The New York Times - Magazine

Once again, even though there is no "one size fits all" approach, there are certain truisms.

TechCrunch

"There are certain truisms.

Huffington Post

For this scenario to unfold, it would be necessary for certain truisms of British politics to be squashed – at least temporarily.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"There are certain easy truisms that we all adopt.

The Guardian

It is a truism that certain artists are uncategorisable.

The Guardian - Arts

At some point in the saga of George Zimmerman and Trayvon Martin, it became a truism in certain quarters that a not-guilty verdict in the Zimmerman trial would be greeted by fire, chaos, and mob violence.

The New Yorker

By Jelani Cobb July 15 , 2013At some point in the saga of George Zimmerman and Trayvon Martin, it became a truism in certain quarters that a not-guilty verdict in the Zimmerman trial would be greeted by fire, chaos, and mob violence.

The New Yorker

That every society has "certain norms" is a truism, an inevitability, but it also needs more than a few citizens who are wise enough to know when push the envelope, and in what direction - in, or out.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain truisms" to introduce concepts that are widely accepted but may need further examination or qualification in a specific context. This acknowledges common understanding while preparing for nuanced discussion.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "certain truisms" as conclusive arguments. While they represent common understanding, they can sometimes mask underlying complexities or exceptions. Always support truisms with evidence or further explanation to avoid oversimplification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain truisms" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies specific statements or ideas that are widely accepted as self-evident or true. Ludwig examples show its use in introducing established concepts within various fields.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "certain truisms" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to specific, widely accepted truths. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is perfectly usable in written English and is frequently encountered in news and media contexts. While not exceedingly common, its usage is consistent across reputable sources. When using this phrase, it's advisable to support the truisms with evidence or analysis to avoid oversimplification. Alternatives include "established truths" or "fundamental truths" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental truths

Emphasizes the foundational and essential nature of the truths being discussed.

established truths

Replaces "truisms" with "truths", emphasizing the established nature of the concepts.

accepted axioms

Uses "axioms" instead of "truisms", highlighting the self-evident and foundational quality of the truths.

undeniable facts

Focuses on the impossibility of disputing the truths, adding a stronger sense of certainty.

self-evident facts

Replaces both "certain" and "truisms" to focus on the inherent clarity and factual basis of the statements.

basic principles

Uses "principles" to suggest fundamental concepts that guide understanding or action, rather than simply accepted truths.

generally accepted ideas

Emphasizes the broad agreement and acceptance of the ideas.

common knowledge

Highlights that the information is widely known and understood.

widely held beliefs

Shifts the focus to beliefs that are commonly shared and accepted within a group.

well-known sayings

Refers to common proverbs or adages that encapsulate familiar truths.

FAQs

How can I use "certain truisms" in a sentence?

You can use "certain truisms" to introduce widely accepted ideas or principles, such as, "In economics, there are "certain truisms" about supply and demand that guide basic understanding".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "certain truisms"?

Alternatives include "established truths", "fundamental truths", or "widely held beliefs", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "certain truisms" since truisms are already assumed to be true?

While "truisms" implies inherent truth, "certain" can be used to specify that you are referring to particular truisms within a broader set of possibilities. It adds a level of specificity.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "certain truisms"?

The phrase is appropriate in academic, professional, and general contexts where you need to refer to commonly accepted ideas or principles. It's suitable for discussions where acknowledging shared understanding is important before delving into specifics.