lies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lies" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the act of being in a horizontal position or to refer to falsehoods, depending on the context. Example: "The truth lies within the pages of this book."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Politics

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The former European trade commissioner said: "For far too long, those who want to destroy Britain's interests and influence in Europe have been allowed to get away with murder with the lies and false propaganda they have poured out about the European Union and what it represents for our country.

The Guardian

All lies.

The New York Times

For Tsipras, the youngest leader to hold high office in modern times, what lies ahead is a litany of choices with potentially explosive effect.

The Guardian

Cannes didn't make sex, lies and videotape (the film had already won the audience award at Sundance), but in giving the Palme d'Or to Soderbergh, Wim Wenders' jury gave the new indie cinema the old school's blessing.

The Guardian - Film

Sex, lies had great company in the competition line-up of 1989.

The Guardian - Film

It made an arthouse star of Soderbergh and a heavyweight of his backer, Harvey Weinstein, whose studio, Miramax, would come to define quality American cinema over much of the next decade and, perhaps, help to destroy it too (read Indiewire's excellent piece on sex, lies for more on its legacy).

The Guardian - Film

An apocryphal story says that a few days earlier, the then 22-year-old was at the Cannes film festival, leaving a screening of Steven Soderbergh's sex, lies and videotape.

The Guardian - Film

This has sometimes meant taking on the vested interests of the medical profession, and Seddon's description of SalaUna suggests that power lies with the managers of the business, who use contracts, incentives, data and dismissal as tools to shape the behaviour of clinicians.

The Guardian

But, of course, ultimately the solution lies in a political settlement.

The Guardian

harmonyhall.com, cottages from $130 a night (three-night minimum) Nothing can quite prepare you for the shock of what lies behind a plain wooden gate at the end of a scruffy little track.

The Guardian - Travel

It won't be defeated until we unite not just in condemning the acts of terrorism, which we all do, but in fighting the poisonous propaganda that the root cause of this terrorism somehow lies with us around this table, and not with them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing serious or formal matters, consider using synonyms like "falsehoods" or "deceptions" for a more impactful tone.

Common error

While "lies" is a common term, avoid using it excessively in professional or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced vocabulary to convey specific types of deception.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "lies" is typically as a noun, representing multiple instances of falsehoods or untruths. However, it can also function as a verb (third person singular of lie), as seen in some examples Ludwig provides.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Film

15%

Politics

10%

Less common in

Lifestyle

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "lies" is a very common noun and verb form indicating falsehoods or the act of deceiving. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it is predominantly used in News & Media, Film, and Politics. While versatile, consider the context to determine if more precise synonyms like ""falsehoods"" or "deceptions" might be more suitable. Be mindful of overuse in formal settings to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

falsehoods

Replaces "lies" with a direct synonym, emphasizing the untrue nature of statements.

deceptions

Focuses on the act of deceiving, rather than the untrue statements themselves.

untruths

A more formal synonym for "lies", suitable for serious contexts.

fabrications

Emphasizes the constructed nature of the untrue statements, suggesting deliberate creation.

prevarications

Highlights the evasive and indirect nature of the falsehoods.

false statements

A more explicit and neutral way to refer to untrue statements.

misrepresentations

Focuses on the distortion of facts, rather than outright falsehoods.

untruths

A more formal synonym for "lies", suitable for serious contexts.

deceits

Similar to deceptions, but may imply a more subtle or artful approach.

terminological inexactitudes

A humorous and euphemistic alternative, downplaying the seriousness of the falsehoods.

FAQs

How to use "lies" in a sentence?

The word "lies" can be used to denote falsehoods or untruths. For example: "The report was full of "falsehoods"."

What can I say instead of "lies"?

You can use alternatives like ""falsehoods"", "deceptions", or "untruths" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "lies" or "lying"?

"Lies" is the plural form of "lie" (false statement), while "lying" is the present participle of the verb "to lie" (to tell a lie). The correct choice depends on the sentence structure.

What's the difference between "lies" and "deceit"?

"Lies" refers to specific false statements, whereas "deceit" is the act or practice of misleading or misrepresenting the truth. "Deceit" encompasses the intention and actions involved in misleading someone.