false

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'false' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used as an adjective to describe something that is not true or accurate. For example, "The statement given was false."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a false dawn.

The Guardian - Sport

Later, on Tuesday night, he said it was "categorically false and defamatory".

The Guardian

The alleged warning from Obeid would have came before – as Icac was previously told – a member of the former NSW energy minister Chris Hartcher's staff made an anonymous complaint levelling false allegations of corruption against Schott.

The Guardian

The former European trade commissioner said: "For far too long, those who want to destroy Britain's interests and influence in Europe have been allowed to get away with murder with the lies and false propaganda they have poured out about the European Union and what it represents for our country.

The Guardian

That was false.

The New York Times

The prime minister will be unable to table his demands for the repatriation of powers before the next election because Clegg has dismissed this strategy as "a false promise wrapped in a union jack".

The Guardian

A vote today between the status quo and leaving would be an entirely false choice".

The Guardian

He was off work for three months, and endured several false starts in trying to get back to his coaching role at Durham university.

The Guardian - Sport

It is time for shared value, not for false claims to aid the poor.

The Guardian - Opinion

The stealth isn't about false modesty, Smyth is sure of her ability: the first women to run a three-star restaurant in the UK, scorer of a perfect 10 in last year's Good Food Guide.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So, here were two snapshots about sexual assault: one showing that, while false rape accusations are relatively rare, rape denial still remains rife, even among some police – the very people who hold the key to any kind of justice.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "false", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being claimed as untrue or inaccurate. Specificity enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "false" without clearly stating what the "false" statement or belief is. For example, instead of saying "That's false", specify "The claim that X happened is false".

Linguistic Context

The word "false" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate something untrue, incorrect, or deceptive. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "false" describes claims, statements, alarms, or rumors. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "false" is a versatile adjective used to denote untruth or inaccuracy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence. As seen in the numerous examples, it frequently appears in News & Media, and is also common in Formal & Business contexts. To ensure effective communication, writers should clearly specify what is being deemed "false" to avoid vagueness. When a synonym is needed, ""incorrect"" or ""untrue"" can often be substituted, depending on the nuance desired. The word's frequency and broad applicability make it a valuable tool for expressing disagreement or correction in various forms of writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incorrect

Focuses on the factual inaccuracy of something.

untrue

Emphasizes the lack of truthfulness.

fictitious

Highlights the invented or imaginary nature of something.

erroneous

Implies a mistake or error in information.

spurious

Suggests that something is not genuine or authentic.

fraudulent

Indicates deceit or trickery.

misleading

Suggests that something is designed to deceive or give a wrong impression.

deceptive

Highlights the intention to mislead.

sham

Emphasizes the pretense or fake nature of something.

counterfeit

Indicates a copy made with the intent to deceive.

FAQs

How is "false" used in a sentence?

"False" is typically used as an adjective to describe something that is not true or correct. For example, "The accusation was "untrue"" or "The data provided was "incorrect"".

What are some synonyms for "false"?

Synonyms for "false" include "incorrect", "untrue", "fictitious", "erroneous", and "spurious". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "false" versus "incorrect"?

"False" often implies an intentional or deliberate untruth, while "incorrect" suggests an unintentional error. Using "false" can also imply that a statement or information has been fabricated. For example, "The witness gave "false testimony"", versus "The calculation was "incorrect"".

Is it better to say "false" or "not true"?

Both "false" and "not true" can be used, but "false" is more direct and concise. "Not true" can sometimes sound less accusatory. For example, the statement is "not entirely true" could suggest partial accuracy while "false" suggests complete inaccuracy.