it is an exaggeration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is an exaggeration" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that a statement or claim is overstated or not entirely accurate. Example: "When he said he could run a marathon in under two hours, it is an exaggeration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

It is an exaggeration.

The Economist

But it is an exaggeration.

The New York Times

"But it is an exaggeration to think that every gay at the base is being harassed".

The New York Times

(If you have to write "This is no exaggeration", you probably know it is an exaggeration).

The Guardian - Books

It is an exaggeration to say the case mirrors China's 'political fight'".

The Guardian

Although Kuhn was right to see difficulties here, it is an exaggeration to suppose that the identification is impossible.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

"It's an exaggeration.

The Guardian

It's an exaggeration, of course.

The New York Times

I think it's an exaggeration.

The Guardian

Still, it's an exaggeration to include such talk.

The New York Times

It was an exaggeration, but it made a point.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is an exaggeration", provide a more accurate or nuanced perspective to offer a constructive correction.

Common error

Avoid using "it is an exaggeration" when a stronger disagreement or refutation is necessary. If a statement is demonstrably false, a more direct correction might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is an exaggeration" serves as a qualifier, indicating that a preceding statement is overstated or not entirely accurate. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples from diverse sources, showcasing its role in moderating claims.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is an exaggeration" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express disagreement with a statement in a polite, indirect way. As Ludwig AI shows, its usage is most prevalent in news and encyclopedic contexts, signifying a neutral to formal register. While not a replacement for stronger refutations, it serves as a useful tool for moderating claims and fostering constructive dialogue. The phrase allows you to point out overstatements while maintaining a professional tone, offering nuanced corrections as necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's an overstatement

Replaces the full sentence with a shorter, more direct expression of overstatement.

that's a bit of a stretch

Indicates that something is not entirely accurate or believable.

that's an inflated claim

Suggests the statement is exaggerated to seem more important or significant.

that's not entirely accurate

A more formal way of saying something is not completely true.

that's a gross exaggeration

Emphasizes the degree of exaggeration.

that's stretching the truth

Suggests the statement is bending the truth to an unreasonable extent.

that's an oversimplification

Indicates that something is made to seem simpler than it actually is.

that's a hyperbolic statement

Uses the term "hyperbolic" to indicate exaggeration for rhetorical effect.

that's laying it on thick

Suggests someone is exaggerating to an excessive degree.

that's a tall tale

Implies the statement is a fabricated or highly embellished story.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "it is an exaggeration"?

You can use alternatives like "that's an overstatement", "that's a bit of a stretch", or "that's an inflated claim" depending on the context.

How do you use "it is an exaggeration" in a sentence?

You can use "it is an exaggeration" to express that a statement is overstated or not entirely accurate. For example, "Saying that everyone supports the new policy is simply, it is an exaggeration".

When is it appropriate to use "it is an exaggeration"?

It is appropriate to use "it is an exaggeration" when you want to politely point out that a statement is overstated without directly accusing someone of lying. It's useful in professional or academic discussions where maintaining a respectful tone is important.

What's the difference between "it is an exaggeration" and "it is a lie"?

"It is an exaggeration" implies that the statement contains some truth but is overstated. "It is a lie" implies that the statement is entirely false and intentionally misleading.