is sometimes true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is sometimes true" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase indicates that something is true on certain occasions or to a certain extent, but not always. Example: "The saying 'slow and steady wins the race' is sometimes true, but other times taking a more aggressive approach can lead to success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

This is sometimes true in newspapers too.

Independent

And I think it's clear that this is sometimes true.

Independent

"Microsoft is often accused of having no taste, which is sometimes true.

The New Yorker

Turns out, the line about the private party is sometimes true.

The New York Times

Part of what makes this feint so disorienting is that it is sometimes true.

The New Yorker

But it is sometimes true that if parents are paying, the dynamics can change.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Obviously that's sometimes true.

The Guardian

Both of those assertions are sometimes true and sometimes not.

The New York Times - Books

Locals joke that farmers don't eat what they sell — and apparently that's sometimes true.

The New York Times

This system had its faults: after all, far-fetched theories are sometimes true.

The New Yorker

If we think regulations are too onerous or too costly (both of which are sometimes true), then what we should do is repeal those regulations.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is sometimes true" to acknowledge nuance or exceptions to a general statement. This adds credibility to your writing by showing you've considered different perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using "is sometimes true" excessively, as it can weaken your argument. If something is only 'sometimes true', consider if it's relevant or significant enough to include, or if you need to qualify it more precisely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is sometimes true" functions as a qualifier, softening the impact of a statement by acknowledging that it does not hold true in all situations. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and is often used to introduce nuance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

27%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is sometimes true" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate a qualified or conditional truth. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It's most frequently found in news and media, science, and wiki contexts, serving to introduce nuance and acknowledge exceptions to general statements. While useful, it's important to avoid overuse and consider more precise qualifiers when necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be true in certain situations

Emphasizes that specific conditions dictate whether the statement holds true.

is accurate under certain circumstances

Highlights the dependence of the statement's accuracy on external factors.

holds true in some instances

Indicates that the statement is valid under specific conditions or circumstances.

is conditionally correct

Highlights that the truth depends on certain preconditions being met.

is occasionally the case

Emphasizes the infrequency of the truth, suggesting it happens only now and then.

is partly accurate

Highlights that only a portion of the statement aligns with the truth.

is true to some extent

Acknowledges a degree of truth but suggests it's not entirely or completely true.

is only partially valid

Suggests that the statement's truth is limited or incomplete.

is not always the case

Focuses on the exceptions rather than the rule, implying the statement is often false.

is subject to exceptions

Focuses on the existence of cases where the statement does not apply.

FAQs

How can I use "is sometimes true" in a sentence?

Use "is sometimes true" to indicate that a statement holds true only under certain conditions or circumstances. For example, "The saying 'the customer is always right' "is sometimes true", but not when the customer is being abusive".

What are some alternatives to "is sometimes true"?

You can use alternatives like "is occasionally the case", "holds true in some instances", or "is conditionally correct" to express a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "is sometimes true" or "is often true"?

The choice between "is sometimes true" and "is often true" depends on the frequency you want to convey. "Is sometimes true" suggests it's true in a limited number of cases, while "is often true" implies it's true in a majority of cases.

What's the difference between "is always true" and "is sometimes true"?

"Is always true" indicates a statement is universally valid, without exceptions. In contrast, ""is sometimes true"" suggests that the statement is only valid under certain conditions and may not apply in all situations.