myths

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "myths" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to commonly-held but false beliefs, or stories or legends about historical or supernatural events. Example sentence: Many ancient cultures had stories and myths about gods and goddesses from the heavens.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Global Development

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So her protestations of ordinariness might all seem somewhat disingenuous – though it's refreshing to hear a pop megastar acknowledge concepts such as luck and chance, rather than grimly trotting out American dream cliches and Protestant work ethic myths – were it not for her own career decisions bearing it out.

The Guardian - Music

Historical amnesia is certainly liberating – so liberating that America is once again diving into free fall, unmoored by any critical or intellectual insight into its own myths, or even into the histories of the debates that we think define our moment.

The Guardian - Books

He dismembered myths, caught erstwhile authorities with their factual trousers down, gave a glimpse of a community history lived not apart from trees but with them.

The Guardian - Books

That received wisdom of myths and half-truths about the strike and its supposedly inevitable defeat seeped into the thinking of many labour movement activists in the years of demoralisation that followed and helped limit their sense of the possible.

The Guardian

11.30am: This excellent post by Michael Wilkerson, a journalist who has worked extensively in Uganda, starts busting some of the myths around Kony and the situation in Uganda.

The Guardian

Clegg sought to press home the case for higher tuition fees today by insisting the plans will make universities "more effective engines of social mobility" and that the policy will "stand the test of time", as he embarked on a last-ditch offensive to dispel "unhelpful myths", notably that the new funding system will worsen social mobility.

The Guardian

Why do such myths persist – and who is responsible?

The Guardian

If you can't attend in person, you can still help us choose which myths about Africa we should focus on by adding your thoughts in the comment thread, or on Twitter @gdndevelopment.

The Guardian

The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants has accused Cameron of promoting myths about immigration.

The Guardian

Le Parisien is not particularly left-wing, but it is always on the side of the "people" – that most cherished of Parisian myths.

The Guardian

The executive director of the Refugee and Immigration Legal Centre, David Manne, said it was important for Australia to "resist the fact-defying myths contained in Carr's comments, and not use them as an excuse to retreat from our international obligations".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, use "myths" to critically analyze commonly held but often unsubstantiated beliefs within a specific field or society.

Common error

Avoid using "myths" and "legends" interchangeably. "Myths" often explain natural phenomena or cultural practices, while "legends" are typically based on historical figures or events, even if embellished.

Linguistic Context

The noun "myths" functions primarily as a referential term, denoting a collection of traditional stories or widely held but false beliefs. Ludwig provides examples of its use in contexts ranging from cultural analysis to debunking misconceptions, aligning with its function as a descriptor of narratives and beliefs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Books

20%

Opinion

15%

Less common in

Global Development

10%

Music

8%

Money

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "myths" is a versatile noun used to describe traditional stories or widely held but often unsubstantiated beliefs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts. This guide highlights the importance of using "myths" accurately, differentiating it from similar terms like "legends", and provides practical tips for effective writing. Whether discussing cultural narratives or debunking misconceptions, understanding the nuances of "myths" enhances clarity and precision in communication. Furthermore the alternative words have been provided to make it easier to identify what could be used instead of the query according to the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

misconceptions

Directly points out the incorrect understanding or interpretation of something.

untruths

Directly states that the beliefs are not true or factual.

false beliefs

Focuses specifically on the inaccuracy of the beliefs, rather than the narrative aspect.

fallacies

Refers to logical errors or flaws in reasoning that lead to false beliefs.

erroneous notions

Highlights the mistaken or incorrect nature of the ideas.

urban legends

Highlights the modern, often sensational, and unsubstantiated nature of the stories.

popular delusions

Indicates widespread but unfounded beliefs held by a large group of people.

folk tales

Emphasizes the traditional and cultural origins of the stories, often passed down through generations.

fabricated stories

Emphasizes the invented or made-up nature of the narratives.

old wives' tales

Suggests the beliefs are outdated and based on superstition or anecdotal evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "myths" in a sentence?

You can use "myths" to refer to traditional stories, or commonly-held but false beliefs. For example, "The article aimed to dispel several common "misconceptions" about climate change."

What are some alternatives to the word "myths"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like ""misconceptions"", "urban legends", or "false beliefs".

Is it appropriate to use "myths" in formal writing?

Yes, "myths" can be used in formal writing, especially when analyzing cultural narratives or debunking "misconceptions" in an academic or professional context.

What's the difference between "myths" and "legends"?

"Myths" are traditional stories that explain natural phenomena or cultural practices, while "legends" are narratives based on historical figures or events, often embellished over time.