lying this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lying this" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a state of deception or falsehood related to something, but it lacks clarity and context. Example: "I can't believe you are lying this way about our agreement."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

However when lying, this baseline behaviour changes.

Independent

Are you sure you didn't have anything to do with this?" And I would reply: "I know I've got a reputation for being a bit of a liar, but I promise I'm not lying this time.

The Guardian - Books

The simple idea that could exonerate Cosby is that Constand has been lying this whole time specifically, the argument goes, she has been lying about whether her relationship with Cosby was romantic.

The New Yorker

In the postwar years, I often put up gravestones in cemeteries while working as a stonemason, and once made a deal with a gravedigger: five Lucky Strikes for a good dozen hand-forged coffin nails; later, much later, they appeared as rusty assemblages in drawings, lying this way and that, a few crooked, each with its own shape.

The Guardian - Books

It's a sin to lie and I've been lying this whole time.

Huffington Post

The saddest thing here is Brian Williams is probably not lying this time.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Can't lay this on him.

The New York Times

I wish to lay this misconception to rest.

Independent

"It's time to lay this ghost to rest.

Independent

Numbers don't lie; this plan is unrealistic.

The New York Times

In that sly reversal lies this book's subject.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing deception, opt for more precise and grammatically sound alternatives such as "lying about this" or "being untruthful in this instance" for improved clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "lying this" as it can sound unnatural. Instead, use more conventional phrasing like "lying about this" or rephrase the sentence for improved clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lying this" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a verb complement. It is intended to describe an ongoing act of deception, though often awkwardly. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase may lack clarity in many contexts, so ensure precision when choosing alternative expressions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

16%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lying this" is used to convey deception or untruthfulness related to something, though its grammatical status is questionable, as noted by Ludwig AI. While common in News & Media, Wiki and Science, it's often perceived as awkward. For clearer and more credible writing, it's recommended to opt for alternatives such as "lying about this" or "being untruthful in this instance". Authoritative sources that use the phrase include The New York Times, Huffington Post, The Guardian, Independent and Vice, yet these sources often employ it in informal contexts where strict grammatical correctness isn't paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deceiving in this manner

Replaces "lying" with a more formal synonym and adds specificity to the method of deception.

being untruthful about this

Emphasizes the lack of truthfulness regarding a specific subject or situation.

misrepresenting this situation

Focuses on the act of presenting something inaccurately or falsely.

falsifying this account

Highlights the alteration or fabrication of a story or explanation.

fabricating this story

Implies the creation of a completely untrue narrative.

being dishonest in this regard

Generalizes the act of lying to a broader sense of dishonesty.

distorting these facts

Indicates the twisting or manipulation of factual information.

coloring this statement

Implies adding subjective or biased elements to a statement, making it less objective.

equivocating on this issue

Suggests using vague or ambiguous language to avoid committing to a clear position.

prevaricating about this matter

Emphasizes avoiding the truth through evasiveness or hedging.

FAQs

Is "lying this" grammatically correct?

While sometimes used in informal contexts, "lying this" isn't considered grammatically correct. It's better to use alternatives like "lying about this" or rephrase for clarity.

What's a more formal way to say "lying this"?

Consider using phrases like "being untruthful about this", "misrepresenting this situation", or "falsifying this account" for a more formal tone.

How can I rephrase a sentence that uses "lying this"?

Instead of saying "He's lying this whole time", try "He's been "lying about this" the entire time" or "He has been untruthful throughout this period".

What are some common synonyms for "lying"?

Common synonyms include "deceiving", "misleading", "fabricating", and "prevaricating", each carrying slightly different connotations. The best choice depends on the specific context.