mere truth

USAGE SUMMARY

"mere truth" is correct and usuable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are referring to a fact or idea that is indisputable or undeniable. For example, "Her success in the field is a mere truth that no one can ignore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

There's more to a great lyric, or perhaps less, than mere truth.

The New York Times

But there are more implications here than the mere truth of the facts mentioned.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Evangelical institutions have backed themselves into a corner so that they are now firing and attacking mere truth-tellers, evangelicals struggling to reconcile their beliefs about the Bible with what the Bible actually says.

Huffington Post

He is after "something greater than mere factual truth".

The New York Times - Books

He has mocked mere factual truth by saying if facts were that interesting then the phonebook would be the world's most interesting book.

Huffington Post

What they recall is not only a man of profound knowledge and understanding of the Buddhist texts, but one for whom the dharma was not mere abstract truth but a way of life.

HuffPost

When asked this question: "If this were true, even the mere term conventional truth would be unacceptable, for whatever is conventional is incompatible with truth," Gorampa Replies: "Since [conventional] truth is posited only in relation to a conventional mind, there is no problem.

SEP

The object to be accomplished by the legislation under consideration is the suppression of contracts of the latter character, which are in truth mere wagers as to the future market price of the article or commodity which is the subject-matter of the wager.

Cornell University

No surprise that we are sold mere grains of truth about grains and fats, fruits and nuts, feet and forks.

Huffington Post

Whether about wheat or meat, sugar or starch, calories or carbohydrates, this fat or that fat, we seem to have an insatiable appetite for mere grains of truth about diet and health, rather than the complete recipe.

HuffPost

No surprise then that we are sold mere grains of truth about science, and in particular, that area of science that matters most to me: The application of diet and lifestyle to health promotion and disease prevention.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mere truth" to contrast a simple fact with a more complex understanding or interpretation. It's effective in situations where you want to highlight that something, while true, is not the whole story.

Common error

Avoid using "mere truth" in every situation where a simple fact is involved. Overuse can make your writing sound condescending or dismissive. Use it judiciously to create contrast or emphasize the limitations of a basic understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mere truth" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object. It often qualifies or contrasts a stated fact with a deeper, more complex understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mere truth" is a grammatically sound noun phrase that suggests a fact is technically correct but incomplete, inviting a deeper understanding. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for written English and implies an indisputable fact. While its occurrence is relatively uncommon, it finds usage across diverse domains like news, science, and academia. Use it judiciously to avoid sounding condescending. Instead of simply stating a truth, "mere truth" hints there is more to the story than initially apparent. Using alternatives such as "simple fact" or "plain truth" can help you sound less critical if the context requires you to just describe something in a straightforward way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simple fact

Focuses on the simplicity of the fact, omitting the contrast implied by "mere".

plain truth

Highlights the straightforward nature of the truth.

basic truth

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of the truth.

unvarnished truth

Implies truth presented without embellishment or interpretation.

raw truth

Stresses the unrefined and direct nature of the truth.

pure fact

Focuses on the fact being unmixed with opinion or interpretation.

undeniable fact

Highlights the indisputable nature of the fact.

unadorned truth

Similar to unvarnished, suggesting truth without decoration.

naked truth

Emphasizes the vulnerability and starkness of the truth.

superficial truth

Indicates that the truth is only apparent at a surface level and there's a better understanding that can be reached.

FAQs

How can I use "mere truth" in a sentence?

You can use "mere truth" to indicate that a fact is technically correct but doesn't fully represent the complete picture. For instance, "The statement is a "mere truth", masking a more complex reality".

What's the difference between "mere truth" and "simple fact"?

"Simple fact" is a neutral term for an uncomplicated truth. "Mere truth" implies that the fact is insufficient or incomplete, often suggesting a deeper or more nuanced perspective is needed. The nuance is a slight difference in implication.

Are there contexts where "mere truth" should be avoided?

Yes, avoid using "mere truth" when you don't intend to diminish or downplay the importance of a fact. If the intent is purely to state something straightforward, stick to alternatives like "plain truth" or "simple fact".

What can I say instead of "mere truth" to sound less critical?

Consider using alternatives like "basic truth", "fundamental fact", or "simple fact" if you want to convey the information without suggesting it's incomplete or misleading.