modifying the truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modifying the truth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of altering or distorting facts or reality, often in a context of deception or manipulation. Example: "In his speech, he was accused of modifying the truth to make his argument more persuasive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Another example: " 'I went alone and told the other guys my girlfriend from home had flight delays," said the senior, who goes nightly to a deserted parking lot to make personal phone calls, for fear of tipping off his straight roommates.' " Either the author is modifying the truth or is outing West Point students.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

So give it a try the next time you're tempted to stretch, conceal, or otherwise modify the truth at work.

Huffington Post

He is making a movie about the Turks' siege of Van, and intends to modify the historical truth with a fictional amplification of the role of the Armenian expressionist painter Arshile Gorky, who as a child escaped the bloodbath there.

The Guardian

To illustrate the effects of modifying the threshold of a molecule in a network, we provide Figure 7: a truth table for variations on threshold values.

BMC Systems Biology

He was modifying the sample.

The New York Times

The challenge for the advocate of this approach is to modify the generic-multiverse conception of truth in such a way that it counts φ as determinate and yet counts CH as indeterminate.

SEP

Eric Pollard showed up and modified the deal; Amy could return and tell the truth, or take the money and disappear.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

You modify the product.

TechCrunch

Modify the kid.

Huffington Post

The epigenome modifies the genome.

Los Angeles Times

You can check this with transcripts and decide what if anything to do — change your behavior or confront male friends and family with the truth asking them to modify theirs.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "modifying the truth", be specific about how the truth is being altered. Provide context and examples to illustrate the nature and extent of the modification.

Common error

Avoid using "modifying the truth" as a vague euphemism for lying. Be direct and clear about the intent and consequences of altering the truth, especially in formal or professional contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modifying the truth" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the action of altering or distorting factual information. As seen in Ludwig, it typically carries a negative connotation, implying deception or misrepresentation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modifying the truth" refers to the act of altering or distorting facts. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as grammatically correct, although relatively uncommon. The phrase is most frequently used in news and media contexts. Alternative phrases include "bending the truth" and "stretching the truth". When employing this phrase, writers should strive for specificity and avoid using it as a vague euphemism for more direct forms of dishonesty. This phrase typically carries a negative connotation, as it usually implies deception or an attempt to mislead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bending the truth

Implies a slight distortion of facts, rather than a complete fabrication.

stretching the truth

Similar to bending the truth, suggesting exaggeration.

distorting the truth

Indicates a more significant alteration, potentially misleading.

altering the facts

Focuses on changing the details rather than the overall truth.

massaging the facts

Suggests carefully manipulating facts to present a desired narrative.

embellishing the story

Implies adding details, possibly untrue, to make a story more interesting.

coloring the truth

Suggests adding a particular bias or perspective to the truth.

doctoring the information

Implies deliberate manipulation of information, often with malicious intent.

falsifying the record

Indicates creating a false or inaccurate historical account.

fabricating a story

Suggests creating an entirely untrue account.

FAQs

What does "modifying the truth" mean?

The phrase "modifying the truth" refers to the act of altering or distorting facts, often in a way that is misleading or deceptive. It implies that the original truth has been changed or adjusted, rather than completely fabricated.

How can I use "modifying the truth" in a sentence?

You can use "modifying the truth" to describe situations where someone is not being entirely honest or accurate. For example: "The politician was accused of "bending the truth" by presenting a biased version of events."

What are some alternatives to "modifying the truth"?

Alternatives to "modifying the truth" include "stretching the truth", "distorting the facts", and "altering the facts". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree to which the truth has been changed.

Is "modifying the truth" the same as lying?

While closely related, "modifying the truth" suggests a less direct form of dishonesty than lying. Lying typically involves stating something that is known to be false, whereas "modifying the truth" may involve selectively presenting facts or exaggerating certain aspects while downplaying others.