painful truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "painful truth" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a truth or fact that may be difficult or uncomfortable to accept. Example: "Facing the painful truth about her past mistakes, she realized she needed to change her ways in order to move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And then the painful truth.

The Guardian - Sport

PART 2: The painful truth about teeth.

The Washington Post

Withholding the painful truth shows the opposite.

The New York Times

"The honest, painful truth?" he asked.

The New York Times

He articulates a painful truth about most biographies.

The New York Times - Books

It is time for the painful truth to emerge.

The New York Times

The papers also reveal a painful truth about Maisie's relatives.

The New York Times - Books

And Valentine's Day served only to highlight that painful truth.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is an especially painful truth at VH1 these days.

The New York Times

An ego-obliterating exercise in facing the painful truth, and a lightning-fast lowering of standards.

Independent

This is entertaining stuff and it has a germ of painful truth in it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "painful truth", ensure that the context clearly indicates what makes the truth painful, whether it's emotional impact, practical consequences, or ethical implications.

Common error

Avoid using "painful truth" merely for dramatic effect. Instead, provide specific details and context that demonstrate why the truth is painful, making your writing more impactful and authentic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "painful truth" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "painful" modifies the noun "truth". It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, highlighting a fact that is difficult or unpleasant to accept. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Books

15%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “painful truth” is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a reality that is difficult or unpleasant to accept. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's used across various contexts, most frequently in news and media, books, and opinion pieces, and its purpose is to emphasize the negative aspects associated with a given truth. While the phrase is widely accepted, it's important to avoid overuse and ensure the context makes clear why the truth is painful. Consider alternatives like "bitter reality" or "harsh fact" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harsh truth

Emphasizes the severe and unpleasant quality of the truth.

bitter reality

Emphasizes the unpleasant and disheartening nature of the truth.

harsh fact

Highlights the stark and unforgiving quality of the truth.

uncomfortable fact

Focuses on the unease and discomfort the truth causes.

difficult reality

Highlights the challenging aspect of accepting the truth.

unpleasant reality

Stresses the disagreeable nature of the truth.

inconvenient truth

Points out that the truth clashes with one's plans or desires.

sobering reality

Highlights the serious and thought-provoking nature of the truth.

undeniable fact

Stresses the impossibility of denying the truth.

unpalatable fact

Indicates the truth is distasteful or difficult to accept.

FAQs

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

You can use "painful truth" to describe a reality that is difficult to accept or acknowledge. For example, "The "painful truth" is that our company is facing significant financial challenges."

What phrases are similar to "painful truth"?

Similar phrases include "bitter reality", "harsh fact", or "uncomfortable fact", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "painful truth" in formal writing?

Yes, "painful truth" can be used in formal writing, especially when discussing difficult or sensitive topics where acknowledging an unpleasant reality is necessary. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it is appropriate.

What makes a truth "painful"?

A truth is considered "painful" when it causes emotional distress, requires significant sacrifices, or challenges deeply held beliefs. It's a truth that is hard to face due to its negative implications.