it sounds true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it sounds true" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when one finds a statement or claim to be believable but there is not enough evidence to be certain that it is definitively true. For example: "John told me that he just won the lottery, but it sounds true to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

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

Huffington Post

"It just sounds true" says journalist beside me in court.

BBC

Once on paper, re-examine it, does it still sound true to you?

WikiHow

You don't need to look that up it sounds true, doesn't it?

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it sounds true" when you want to convey that something seems likely to be accurate based on available evidence or intuition, but you lack definitive proof. It's suitable for expressing provisional agreement or acceptance.

Common error

Avoid using "it sounds true" as a substitute for conclusive evidence. It's best used when acknowledging some uncertainty or the need for further verification. Don't present it as an irrefutable fact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it sounds true" functions as an evaluative expression, indicating that a statement or claim appears to be accurate or credible based on available information. As Ludwig AI suggests, its purpose is to express a belief in something’s plausibility without absolute certainty.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it sounds true" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey that something seems plausible or credible, although not definitively proven. Ludwig AI confirms that it's appropriate for expressing a belief in the likelihood of a statement's accuracy. Its register is typically neutral, making it suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. When using the phrase, be mindful of overstating certainty and consider alternatives like "it rings true" or "it appears to be accurate" to fine-tune the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seems plausible

Emphasizes the believability of something based on initial assessment.

it rings true

Suggests the statement has an authentic or genuine quality.

it appears to be true

Indicates a tentative assessment of truth based on available information.

it has the ring of truth

Highlights an impression of genuineness.

it seems credible

Focuses on the trustworthiness and reliability of the statement.

it comes across as true

Highlights how the statement is perceived by others.

it strikes me as true

Indicates a personal assessment of truth.

it holds water

Implies the statement is logically sound and can withstand scrutiny.

it checks out

Suggests that the statement aligns with known facts or evidence.

it passes the test of truth

Indicates that the statement has been validated against reality.

FAQs

How can I use "it sounds true" in a sentence?

Use "it sounds true" to express that something seems believable, even if you don't have definitive proof. For example, "His explanation for the missing money /s/sounds+true, but I still have my doubts."

What's a more formal alternative to "it sounds true"?

Consider using phrases like "it appears to be accurate" or "it seems plausible" as more formal alternatives to "it sounds true". These alternatives convey a similar meaning but with a more professional tone.

Is there a difference between "it sounds true" and "it is true"?

Yes, "it sounds true" indicates a degree of uncertainty or reliance on perception, while "it is true" asserts a statement as a confirmed fact. The first leaves room for potential error; the second does not.

What can I say instead of "it sounds true" when I want to emphasize authenticity?

If you wish to highlight the genuineness of a statement, consider using phrases like "it rings true" or "it has the ring of truth". These phrases suggest that something feels inherently genuine and believable.