deviation from the truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deviation from the truth" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to emphasize that someone or something is being dishonest or untruthful. For example: "The politician's statement was a blatant deviation from the truth, and he was soon criticized for it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The answer, as you might expect, is not a whole lot, though he acknowledges one significant deviation from the truth: a pair of naval architects use computer modeling to determine that the ship's stern probably rose into the air at no more than a 23-degree angle, not the much more dramatic 90 degrees Mr. Cameron depicted.

The New York Times - Arts

Bias refers to the systematic (not random) deviation from the truth [22].

Progress in Orthodontics

Writing about methodology and epistemology, he observed that "the least initial deviation from the truth is multiplied later a thousandfold" (Aristotle OTH, 271b8).

SEP

Aristotle once wrote: "The least deviation from the truth is multiplied later a thousandfold".

Huffington Post

Bias has been defined as systematic error or deviation from the truth in results or inferences [ 1].

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Risk of bias refers to the risk of "a systematic error, or deviation from the truth, in results or inferences" [ 27].

Health Research Policy and Systems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

That has incensed Islamists who believe that Muslims should regard all non-Muslim faiths as, at best, deviations from the truth and, at worst, as lies spread by the enemies of God.

The New York Times

I think Peter [Kosminsky] has made every effort to be as accurate as possible, but tiny deviations from the truth have to be weighed against those facts.' Peter Kosminsky has occupied this territory before.

The Guardian

The horizontal lines in (a c) mark the maximum and minimum deviations from the truth.

EJNMMI Physics

The horizontal dashed lines in (a) mark the maximum and minimum deviations from the truth.

EJNMMI Physics

The horizontal dashed lines in (a) mark the range (maximum and minimum) of the deviations from the truth.

EJNMMI Physics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to determine if a stronger term like "lie" or a more nuanced term like "misrepresentation" is more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "deviation from the truth" in very informal or casual conversations. Simpler terms like "lie" or "not true" are often more fitting and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deviation from the truth" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the act or state of departing from factual accuracy, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deviation from the truth" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes a departure from factual accuracy. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides numerous examples across various contexts. While adaptable to various situations, it is most appropriately used in formal and neutral registers, as reflected in its frequent occurrence in scientific and news-related sources. Related phrases include "falsehood" and "misrepresentation of facts", which offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey. Remember to consider the formality of the situation when selecting "deviation from the truth" over simpler terms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lying

A straightforward term for not telling the truth.

untruth

A simpler and more direct way of stating a lack of truth.

falsehood

Emphasizes the untruthful nature of a statement or claim.

misrepresentation of facts

Highlights the act of presenting facts inaccurately or misleadingly.

inaccuracy

Focuses on the lack of precision or correctness.

disinformation

Highlights the intent to mislead or deceive.

departure from reality

Shifts the focus from factual inaccuracy to a disconnect from reality.

fabrication

Implies that something has been invented or made up.

distortion of reality

Suggests that reality has been twisted or altered.

prevarication

Suggests an attempt to avoid telling the truth directly.

FAQs

How can I use "deviation from the truth" in a sentence?

You can use "deviation from the truth" to describe statements or actions that stray from factual accuracy. For example, "The politician's speech contained several deviations from the truth".

What's the difference between "deviation from the truth" and lying?

"Deviation from the truth" suggests a more subtle departure from what is accurate, while "lying" implies a direct and intentional untruth.

What are some synonyms for "deviation from the truth"?

Alternatives include "falsehood", "misrepresentation of facts", or "inaccuracy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to have a "deviation from the truth"?

Yes, a "deviation from the truth" is generally considered negative as it implies some level of inaccuracy or dishonesty, although the intent may not always be malicious.