difficult truth

USAGE SUMMARY

"difficult truth" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing something that you feel is true but may not be easy to accept. For example: "It was a difficult truth to accept, but I knew that I had to move on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That is the difficult truth.

The New Yorker

That may be the difficult truth.

The New York Times - Sports

Of course, doctors must tell their patients the difficult truth.

The Washington Post

That difficult truth lies at the heart of this novel.

The New York Times - Books

It's a difficult truth of clinical trials: some participants can be less than honest.

Stanford University

The increasing popularity of platform strategies masks a difficult truth: They are hard to execute well.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Rice's example revealed a difficult truth about digital scholarly publishing: it is still expensive.

The New York Times

But Tavener seemed to find a joy in that difficult truth.

The Guardian - Music

The difficult truth is that, like all living things, houseplants die.

The New Yorker

The difficult truth is that, increasingly, capitalism makes us for our food.

The Guardian - Opinion

The difficult truth is that they will always be questions that don't have answers.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult truth", ensure that the context clearly establishes why the truth is considered difficult. Providing supporting evidence or explanation can enhance the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult truth" as a mere cliché. Ensure that the truth you are referring to genuinely presents a challenge or discomfort to the audience or subject matter. If it's a simple fact, a more straightforward expression might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult truth" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "difficult" modifies the noun "truth". It typically introduces a statement of fact that is unpleasant, challenging, or hard to accept. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and examples show its frequent use in conveying uncomfortable realities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult truth" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to introduce a fact or reality that is challenging or uncomfortable to accept. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it frequently appears in news, academic, and business contexts, signaling its broad applicability in formal and neutral registers. When using the phrase, ensure the context establishes why the truth is considered "difficult", and avoid overuse without proper justification. Alternatives like ""uncomfortable reality"" or ""inconvenient truth"" can provide nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unpleasant truth

Directly states the unpleasant nature of the truth.

inconvenient truth

Highlights the inconvenient nature of the truth, often implying a desire to avoid it.

hard fact

Emphasizes the undeniable and often unwelcome nature of the fact.

uncomfortable reality

Emphasizes the discomfort associated with accepting the reality.

tough reality

Indicates that the reality is challenging and requires resilience to face.

harsh reality

Focuses on the severe and unpleasant nature of the reality.

sobering reality

Highlights the serious and often disappointing nature of the reality.

unsettling fact

Emphasizes the disturbing or uneasy feeling associated with the fact.

unpalatable fact

Stresses the unpleasantness of the fact, making it hard to swallow.

bitter pill to swallow

Uses a metaphor to describe the truth as something unpleasant that must be accepted.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult truth" to introduce a fact or reality that is challenging or uncomfortable to accept. For example, "The "difficult truth" is that achieving success requires consistent effort and dedication."

What are some alternatives to "difficult truth"?

Alternatives include "uncomfortable reality", "inconvenient truth", or "harsh reality", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to soften a "difficult truth" when communicating it?

While empathy is important, transparency is key. Presenting the "difficult truth" directly, while remaining respectful, can be more effective than sugarcoating it. It's best to consider your audience and tailor your delivery accordingly.

What makes a truth "difficult"?

A truth can be "difficult" because it challenges existing beliefs, requires significant changes in behavior, or has unpleasant consequences. Recognizing and addressing why a truth is difficult can make it easier to communicate and accept.