not lying

USAGE SUMMARY

"not lying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone is not being deceptive, usually with regard to something they said or did. For example, "I can assure you that I am not lying."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I'm not lying.

The New York Times - Sports

People were not lying.

The New York Times - Magazine

He is not lying.

The Economist

I am not lying".

The New York Times - Books

She added: "I'm not lying.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm not lying," I said.

The New Yorker

I'm not lying about it.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Lie, not lay.

The New York Times

Do not lie down.

The New York Times - Health

Renard does not lie.

The New York Times - Sports

You should not lie.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not lying" to directly and clearly assert the truthfulness of a statement, particularly when countering a suggestion of dishonesty.

Common error

Avoid overusing "not lying" in situations where a gentler affirmation of truthfulness suffices. Sometimes, simply stating the facts directly can be more effective and less defensive.

Linguistic Context

"Not lying" functions as a negative assertion, used to deny an accusation or implication of dishonesty. It directly contradicts the suggestion that someone is being untruthful. Ludwig examples show its use in emphasizing sincerity and rebutting doubt, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Wiki

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not lying" serves as a straightforward and direct way to assert one's honesty, often used to counteract any existing or implied doubt. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and well-suited for various contexts, especially in news and media. While alternatives like "telling the truth" might convey a more positive tone, "not lying" is particularly useful when directly addressing concerns about potential deception. It's important to be mindful of overuse, ensuring that its deployment strengthens rather than undermines the message of sincerity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

telling the truth

Focuses on the affirmative act of speaking truthfully, rather than denying falsehood.

being truthful

Emphasizes the state of consistently adhering to the truth.

honest

A direct adjective indicating integrity and lack of deceit.

without deceit

Explicitly states the absence of deception or trickery.

veracious

A more formal term for truthfulness, implying accuracy and precision.

no deception

Highlights the absence of any deceptive practices.

sincere

Highlights the genuineness and authenticity of one's statements.

candid

Suggests openness and frankness in communication.

forthright

Implies directness and honesty, avoiding evasion or ambiguity.

genuine

Focuses on the authenticity and sincerity of one's expressions.

FAQs

How can I use "not lying" in a sentence?

You can use "not lying" to emphasize that you are being truthful, such as in the sentence "I assure you, I am "not lying"."

What are some alternatives to saying "I'm not lying"?

You can use alternatives like "I'm telling the truth", "I'm being honest", or "I'm sincere" depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "I'm not lying" or "I'm telling the truth"?

Both phrases are valid, but "I'm telling the truth" can sound more positive and proactive, while "I'm "not lying"" directly addresses and denies an implication of dishonesty.

When should I use "not lying" instead of just stating the facts?

Use "not lying" when you need to explicitly counter a suggestion of deception or when you want to emphasize your honesty in a situation where it might be questioned.