hard truth

USAGE SUMMARY

"hard truth" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English and is often used to refer to a difficult truth or fact.
For example: "It was a hard truth to accept, but I knew I had to face reality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Here's the hard truth.

Independent

It also begins with hard truth.

The New York Times - Arts

But adults face a hard truth.

The New York Times

"That's just the hard truth".

The New York Times

But it avoids an equally hard truth.

The Guardian - Money

14 1 HARD TRUTH, by Nevada Barr.

The New York Times

14 1 HARD TRUTH, by Mariah Stewart.

The New York Times

What is your capacity for the cold, hard truth?

Independent

And the hard truth is, the Delta needs the people.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"The hard truth is that every program must live within its means".

Science Magazine

Here is the hard truth: Heroin has arrived.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "hard truth" with a constructive approach to addressing the issue or challenge the truth presents.

Common error

Avoid using "hard truth" as a cliché. Always provide sufficient context to explain why the truth is difficult or challenging, and what implications it carries. Vague or unsupported use weakens the phrase's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard truth" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies a particular kind of truth – one that is difficult or unpleasant. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is used to introduce or highlight a challenging reality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

5%

Huffington Post

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hard truth" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a fact or reality that is difficult or unpleasant to acknowledge. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a perfectly acceptable phrase for framing challenging situations. Its register is generally neutral, although contexts vary, with the majority of examples coming from news and media sources. Alternatives like "difficult reality" or "harsh reality" can be used depending on the desired emphasis. When using "hard truth", ensure the context clarifies why the truth is difficult, avoiding vague or unsupported usage. In essence, "hard truth" serves as a tool for initiating realistic conversations and compelling action in the face of adversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harsh reality

Emphasizes the severity of the truth.

brutal fact

Conveys the harshness and bluntness of the truth.

difficult reality

Focuses on the challenging aspect of the truth.

grim reality

Underscores the bleak or depressing nature of the truth.

unpleasant fact

Highlights the disagreeable nature of the information.

uncomfortable reality

Emphasizes the discomfort associated with the truth.

sobering truth

Highlights the serious and thoughtful nature of the truth.

bitter pill to swallow

Uses a metaphor to describe accepting a difficult truth.

undeniable reality

Focuses on the irrefutable nature of the truth.

inconvenient truth

Stresses the trouble caused by the truth.

FAQs

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

You can use "hard truth" to introduce a fact or reality that is difficult or unpleasant to acknowledge. For example, "The "hard truth" is that the project is over budget and behind schedule."

What are some alternatives to "hard truth"?

Alternatives include "difficult reality", "unpleasant fact", or "harsh reality". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "hard truth" or "harsh truth"?

Both "hard truth" and "harsh truth" are acceptable, but "harsh truth" emphasizes the severity or unpleasantness of the fact more strongly than "hard truth".

What makes a truth a "hard truth"?

A "hard truth" is a fact or reality that is difficult to accept, acknowledge, or confront because it challenges beliefs, expectations, or desires. It often has negative consequences or implications.