if truly

USAGE SUMMARY

"if truly" can be used in written English in certain contexts.
One common context in which "if truly" is used is in conditional sentences, where it usually means "if it is true that" or "if indeed". For example: - If truly I have offended you, please forgive me. - If truly you want to succeed, you must work harder. Another context in which "if truly" can be used is in a question, often to confirm something or express doubt. For example: - If truly the sky is blue, why does it look gray today? - If truly you are my friend, then why didn't you invite me to your party?.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If truly grim weather, nothing beats thermal baths.

Independent

Supreme quality, if truly overwhelming, can goad into action without the added stimulus of discovery.

The New York Times - Arts

A true war story, if truly told, makes the stomach believe".

The New York Times

Young people flock or, if truly cool, just drift here from all over the world.

The Economist

It's unclear if truly safe UV exposure can ever be achieved.

Harvard University

I'd even allow some beeping or squawking noises, if truly necessary.

The New York Times - Tech

If truly the candidates are equally qualified, the decision would be the same for both".

The New York Times

About 50 will be retained for future research that would be conducted under stringent conditions and only if truly necessary.

The New York Times

If truly only one sort of life on Earth exists, then perspective is lacking in a most fundamental way.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While spinning yarns and feigning, he can suddenly seem electrifyingly convincing, as if truly possessed by someone else's spirit.

Independent

You suggested that such referendums, if truly free and fair, might well result in Abkhazia choosing independence and South Ossetia remaining within Georgia.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if truly" to emphasize the sincerity or genuineness of a condition. It adds a layer of earnestness to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "if truly" in every conditional sentence. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and insincere. Opt for simpler alternatives when emphasis isn't needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if truly" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a conditional clause. It emphasizes the veracity or sincerity of the condition being presented. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used to add emphasis to a statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if truly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used conditional phrase that emphasizes the sincerity or genuineness of a condition. It appears most commonly in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While versatile, it is important to avoid overuse. Ludwig AI and the provided examples confirm its correct usage and suggest alternatives like "if indeed" or "if actually" for varied expression. The phrase serves to reinforce the importance of a condition, indicating that it must be genuinely met for the subsequent statement to hold true.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if indeed

Emphasizes the condition with a slightly more formal tone.

if actually

Focuses on the reality or actuality of the condition.

assuming that it's true

Specifies the assumption of truth as a basis.

in the event that it is true

Presents a more formal and cautious tone.

should it be the case that

Introduces a higher degree of formality and conditionality.

provided that it is genuine

Highlights the authenticity of the condition.

on the condition that it's real

Specifies the condition as a requirement for something else to occur.

if in reality

Adds emphasis on the real or actual state of affairs.

presuming it to be the truth

Implies a presumption of truth, but with a hint of skepticism.

assuming its veracity

Highlights truthfulness as a critical aspect of the condition.

FAQs

How can I use "if truly" in a sentence?

Use "if truly" to emphasize a condition's genuineness, as in, "If truly you wish to succeed, you must dedicate yourself to your goals."

What is a good substitute for "if truly"?

Alternatives include "if indeed", "if actually", or "assuming that it's true", depending on the desired emphasis.

Is it more formal to say "if truly" or "if it is true that"?

"If it is true that" is generally more formal. "If truly" is less formal but still conveys sincerity and emphasis.

What's the nuance between "if truly" and "if really"?

"If truly" emphasizes the genuine or sincere nature of a condition, while "if really" stresses the actual or factual nature. The choice depends on whether you're highlighting sincerity or factuality.