it was not true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was not true" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a statement or belief is false or inaccurate. Example: "Despite what he claimed, it was not true that he had completed the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the key to Brazil's elimination was that it was not true to its traditional flowing soccer style.

The New York Times - Sports

It was not true.

The New York Times

But it was not true.

The New York Times

Well, that's because it was not true.

The Washington Post

So it was not true, but…" Inconsequential?

The Guardian

And it was not true at Fisher Hall.

The New York Times - Arts

It was not true, but he was granted asylum.

The New York Times

I was shown the note and it was not true.

Independent

But Ruby continued to press that it was not true.

The New York Times - Sports

(On Page 2, readers learned that it was not true).

The New York Times

I believed from the beginning it was not true".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was not true", ensure that the context clearly identifies what "it" refers to. Ambiguity can confuse the reader.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "it was not true" can sometimes sound weaker than a direct statement. Consider rephrasing to directly state the truth or identify the source of the misinformation for a stronger impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was not true" functions as a declarative statement. It serves to negate a previously stated or implied assertion, indicating that something presented as fact is, in fact, false. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was not true" is a common phrase used to negate a statement, indicating its falsity. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and adaptable to various contexts, primarily found in news and media. While effective, writers should consider using more direct or assertive language for greater impact, as "it was not true" can sometimes sound passive. When employing "it was not true", ensure clarity about what "it" refers to to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it wasn't the truth

Replaces "true" with "the truth", slightly altering the structure while maintaining the core meaning.

that wasn't the case

Uses a more general expression to indicate that the preceding statement is incorrect.

that is a lie

Directly states that something is a lie, indicating intentional deception.

that's incorrect

A straightforward way of saying something is wrong or inaccurate.

it's a falsehood

Replaces "true" with "falsehood", providing a more formal alternative.

it was inaccurate

Substitutes "true" with "inaccurate", focusing on the lack of precision or correctness.

the claim is false

Highlights the falsity of a specific claim or assertion.

that is simply untrue

Emphasizes the falsity of a statement with the adverb "simply".

it's a fabrication

Suggests that something has been invented or made up.

that's a myth

Implies that a belief or story is widely held but ultimately false.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was not true" to sound more assertive?

Consider using phrases like "that's a lie", "that's simply untrue", or directly stating the correct information to counter the falsehood. For example, instead of saying "it was not true that he finished the project", say "he did not finish the project".

What's a more formal alternative to "it was not true"?

In formal contexts, you could use phrases like "the claim is false", "the statement is inaccurate", or "it's a falsehood".

Is "it wasn't true" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it wasn't true" is the contracted form of "it was not true" and is perfectly acceptable in informal writing and speech.

How does the nuance of "it was not true" differ from "it was a mistake"?

"It was not true" directly contradicts a statement's veracity. "It was a mistake" implies an unintentional error, rather than a deliberate falsehood. Therefore, "it was a mistake" indicates that an information was given inaccurately, while "it was not true" states that the information is factually wrong.