holds some truth

USAGE SUMMARY

"holds some truth" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are debating an issue, to show that even though the other side of the argument has a point, your side should still be taken seriously. For example: "Even though my opponent's argument holds some truth, I still believe my side should receive serious consideration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Each of them holds some truth.

The Guardian - Opinion

Laughing, the governor said, "It is a question that holds some truth".

The New York Times - Magazine

In short, Roberts' claim that judges are like umpires holds some truth, after all.

The Guardian - Opinion

One student believed that it should fall on the media to expose the issue of post-university depression and with an article dating back to 2001 on the topic, and not a lot else, this view holds some truth.

Independent

Mr Blunkett and his supporters have been swift to blame this latest resignation on Britain's predatory media and the criticism holds some truth, in that recent accounts had lapsed into prurience and unforgivable jibes at the expense of his blindness.But Mr Blunkett's departure cannot be dismissed so easily.

The Economist

Often, these positions are in the business world, in which the saying above holds some truth.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

In fact, both images hold some truth.

The New York Times

But after more than a decade as a war correspondent, I'm pretty sure my words held some truth.

The New York Times - Books

One final lesson for CraftShop, which may hold some truth for the broader e-commerce market, was that investors' timetable did not coincide with the demands of customers.

The New York Times

The industry contends that it must raise prices to finance research on new drugs, and that may hold some truth given the dearth of promising new drugs in the pipelines of major manufacturers.

The New York Times

"If we as individual citizens are feeling poorer and cutting back on our spending, why should our elected representatives in effect reverse these private decisions by increasing spending and going into debt on our behalf?" These propositions probably hold some truth.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "holds some truth", acknowledge the specific aspects that are valid to add nuance and precision to your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "holds some truth" when the statement is mostly false. Instead, consider phrases like "misleading" or "partially accurate" to better reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "holds some truth" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a statement or idea possesses a degree of validity without being entirely accurate. It is often used in discussions and debates to acknowledge a partial correctness in an opposing viewpoint, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

24%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "holds some truth" is a useful qualifier that indicates partial validity or accuracy in a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and is commonly employed across various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. It functions as a neutral term, suitable for both formal and informal communication, allowing speakers and writers to concede points without fully agreeing. When employing this phrase, clarity is crucial; specify which aspects are indeed valid to enhance the precision and persuasiveness of your argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contains a grain of truth

Emphasizes a small amount of truth within a larger context.

has an element of truth

Highlights that only a portion of the statement is true.

there's truth to that

Confirms the validity of a previously stated point.

rings true to some extent

Suggests a perceived truth, but with limitations.

bears a resemblance to reality

Indicates a similarity with what is real or factual.

possesses certain validity

Highlights the state of being valid to a degree.

includes factual information

Focuses on the presence of factual components.

is partially accurate

Highlights that the statement is only partially correct.

reflects some accuracy

Underlines a level of correctness in the statement.

has limited validity

Highlights the restricted scope of the statement's truth.

FAQs

How can I use "holds some truth" in a sentence?

You can use "holds some truth" to acknowledge that a statement has a degree of validity, even if you don't agree with it entirely. For example, "While the argument /s/contains+flaws, it "holds some truth" regarding the need for further investigation."

What are some alternatives to "holds some truth"?

Alternatives include "contains a grain of truth", "has an element of truth", or "rings true to some extent". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "holds some truth" or "is completely true"?

"Holds some truth" implies partial validity, while "is completely true" asserts full accuracy. Use "holds some truth" when only parts of a statement are accurate, and "is completely true" when the entire statement is factual and verifiable.

What's the difference between "holds some truth" and "might be true"?

"Holds some truth" indicates that there are identifiable aspects of a statement that are true, while "might be true" expresses uncertainty or possibility. "Holds some truth" provides a stronger acknowledgment of validity than "might be true."