modicum of truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modicum of truth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a small or limited amount of truth in a statement or situation. Example: "While his argument was largely flawed, there was a modicum of truth in his observations about the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

There's a modicum of truth to this picture — but it's mostly a caricature.

The New York Times - Books

Picking on Love for his zinger in good humor would be foolish, but there was a modicum of truth – or at the very least, perceived truth – beneath his playful jab.

The New York Times

In many great songs a larger, universal modicum of truth is revealed and resonates on a personal level with the listener, even when the facts make no sense at all.

The New York Times

For all that this sounds coy enough to be stencilled on driftwood and sold to the type of people Olde Seaside Shoppes always see coming, nonetheless it harbours a modicum of truth – and, crucially, is the type of thing people actually say to each other, as opposed to the type of thing scriptwriters think they say.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The calendar is tongue-in-cheek, certainly, but there's more than a modicum of truth about the challenges facing Brazil this year.

BBC

But that same afternoon, FBI agents had wrung a modicum of truth from Mitchell.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

fades remarkably quickly with just a modicum of empathy, truth and a rational, medically sound alternative to treatment that is often harsh and without benefit.

The New York Times - Health

Establishing that modicum of trust took years.

The New York Times

He was speaking a deep truth: the modicum of stability produced by the surge has changed the political dynamics of the Iraq story — not irreversibly yet, not as much as necessary yet, but enough to have important ramifications.

The New York Times

Millions of Americans are suspicious of science, economic theory or even the need for a modicum of evidence in the quest for truth.

Huffington Post

But these are principled illusionists, our heroes; in their own shady ways, they stand for truth, justice and a modicum of privacy.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase, consider contrasting it with the surrounding falsehood or exaggeration to emphasize the limited scope of the truth.

Common error

Avoid using "modicum of truth" to imply that a fundamentally false statement is somehow substantially correct. The phrase indicates a small, often insignificant, degree of truth, not a justification for the overall falsehood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modicum of truth" typically functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It identifies a limited quantity or degree of truth within a statement or situation. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used in journalistic and analytical contexts to express measured agreement or qualified acceptance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modicum of truth" signifies a small or limited amount of truth within a statement or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to acknowledge the limited scope of the truth and avoid overstating its significance. Related phrases, such as "small amount of truth" or "bit of truth", can offer alternative ways to express the same concept with varying degrees of formality. Remember that while there may be a "modicum of truth" in something, it doesn't necessarily validate the entire claim.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small amount of truth

Replaces "modicum" with a simpler, more direct term.

bit of truth

Uses "bit" to convey a small quantity, similar to "modicum".

element of truth

Shifts the focus to a component of truth rather than quantity.

grain of truth

Emphasizes the smallness and potential preciousness of the truth.

hint of truth

Suggests a subtle or indirect indication of truth.

sliver of truth

Uses "sliver" to describe a thin, narrow piece of truth.

semblance of truth

Implies an outward appearance of truth that may not be entirely genuine.

whisper of truth

Indicates a faint or barely perceptible amount of truth.

vestige of truth

Highlights a remaining trace or indication of truth from something larger.

shade of truth

Refers to a subtle or nuanced aspect of truth.

FAQs

How can I use "modicum of truth" in a sentence?

You can use "modicum of truth" to acknowledge a small degree of accuracy within a larger, potentially flawed statement. For example, "While the report was largely inaccurate, there was a "modicum of truth" in its assessment of the market's initial reaction."

What's a less formal way to say "modicum of truth"?

Less formal alternatives to "modicum of truth" include phrases like "bit of truth", "small amount of truth", or even "hint of truth", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "modicum of truth" or "grain of truth"?

Both ""modicum of truth"" and "grain of truth" are valid, but they carry slightly different connotations. "Modicum" suggests a limited quantity, while "grain" emphasizes the smallness and potential value of the truth. Choose the phrase that best fits the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "modicum of truth"?

Use "modicum of truth" when you want to concede that something is not entirely false, but also emphasize that the true part is small or limited. It is suitable when acknowledging partial accuracy while still maintaining a critical perspective on the whole.