it sounded true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it sounded true" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something appeared to be credible or believable based on what you heard. Example: "After listening to his explanation, it sounded true, and I began to reconsider my initial doubts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It sounded true.

The New York Times

It lacked his trademark bluster, but it sounded true and from the heart.

The New York Times - Sports

It sounded true and most of the media felt like a manic depressive on an up day last weekend, so drunk with pomp that even the prime minister managed to look middle class.

The Guardian

One night he said to me: 'Do you know the massive role drugs played in National Socialism?' I told him that I didn't, but that it sounded true – and I knew immediately it would be the subject of my next book".

The Guardian - Books

It had become a packaged story, but so natural to me it sounded true as it passed my lips.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

When Bainbridge says this it sounds true.

The Guardian - Books

It sounds true (true enough for an attack from Republicans) but, medically speaking, it isn't.

The Economist

It sounds true, he has some potential, he's really into it, I like what he's doing".

The New York Times

Trite as it sounds, true self-starters have the tenacity and resilience to keep fighting.

Forbes

"You can't just repeat something over and over again until it sounds true.

Huffington Post

If that sounded trite Saturday, it also sounded true.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it sounded true" when you want to convey that something initially seemed believable, based on the information available at the time. It doesn't necessarily guarantee the statement's factual accuracy.

Common error

Avoid treating something as definitively true just because "it sounded true". Always seek corroborating evidence or further verification to confirm its accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it sounded true" functions as an evaluative expression, indicating an initial assessment of something's believability based on auditory information or the way it was presented. Ludwig's examples show its use in assessing narratives or claims.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it sounded true" is a common way to express that something initially seemed believable, even if its ultimate accuracy hasn't been verified. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its prevalence in News & Media. When using this phrase, remember that it reflects a subjective assessment and doesn't guarantee factual accuracy. Consider using alternatives such as "it seemed plausible" or "it rang true" to fine-tune your meaning. Always corroborate information, as appearances can be deceiving.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it rang true

Suggests the statement resonated with an inherent sense of truthfulness.

it appeared genuine

Emphasizes the authenticity of the statement based on initial impression.

it had the ring of truth

Similar to "rang true" but more emphatic about the sense of truth.

it felt authentic

Highlights the genuine or real nature of the information.

it presented as credible

Focuses on the believability and trustworthiness of the information.

it came across as honest

Focuses on the perceived sincerity of the statement.

it seemed plausible

Focuses on the likelihood or possibility of the statement being correct.

it was seemingly truthful

Emphasizes the initial appearance of truth.

it projected truthfulness

Suggests that truthfulness was actively conveyed or implied.

it gave the impression of truth

Highlights the persuasive aspect of the information.

FAQs

What does "it sounded true" mean?

The phrase "it sounded true" means that something initially appeared to be factual or believable based on the available information or the way it was presented. It implies an initial impression of truthfulness, but not necessarily a guarantee of accuracy.

What are some alternatives to "it sounded true"?

You can use alternatives like "it seemed plausible", "it rang true", or "it appeared genuine" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How to use "it sounded true" in a sentence?

You can use "it sounded true" to express that something gave an initial impression of being truthful. For example: "His explanation for his absence sounded true, so I decided to trust him."

Is "it sounded true" the same as "it was true"?

No, "it sounded true" implies an initial impression of truthfulness, while "it was true" indicates a confirmed fact. The first phrase suggests something seemed correct at first hearing, whereas the second states that something is, in fact, correct.