patently false

USAGE SUMMARY

"patently false" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when something is obviously, clearly, and unmistakably wrong or untrue. For example, "His claim that he had met an alien was patently false."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But that's patently false.

The New York Times

This was patently false.

The New Yorker

"That is patently false.

The New York Times

Nash deems it "patently false".

The New Yorker

The allegation is patently false.

The Guardian

The story was patently false.

The Washington Post

It is also patently false.

The New York Times - Magazine

That statement is patently false.

The New York Times

Official publications are full of patently false claims.

The Economist

"That's absolutely ridiculous and patently false," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

One concerned employee called the rates "patently false".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "patently false" when you want to emphasize that something is not just false, but obviously and undeniably so.

Common error

Avoid using "patently false" in situations where a milder expression of disagreement or doubt is more appropriate. The phrase carries a strong connotation of deception or blatant disregard for truth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "patently false" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It serves to emphatically describe something as being obviously and undeniably untrue. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "patently false" is a phrase used to describe something that is obviously and undeniably untrue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an adjective phrase and is commonly used in news and media, as well as in academic contexts. Its purpose is to express strong disagreement or disbelief, highlighting the lack of truthfulness of a claim. While the phrase is generally considered grammatically correct and very common, it is important to use it judiciously and to avoid overuse in neutral contexts. Alternatives like "clearly untrue" or "obviously wrong" may be more appropriate depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Clearly untrue

Focuses on the lack of truth being evident.

Obviously wrong

Emphasizes the incorrectness being apparent.

Blatantly incorrect

Highlights the obvious nature of the inaccuracy.

Manifestly untrue

Stresses the undeniable lack of truth.

Demonstrably incorrect

Indicates that the incorrectness can be proven.

Undeniably false

Emphasizes that the falsity cannot be denied.

Indisputably wrong

Highlights the lack of any room for argument about the error.

Absolutely false

Conveys a strong and unequivocal statement of falsehood.

Unquestionably untrue

Highlights that the untruth is beyond any question.

Flatly false

Emphasizes a direct and outright falsehood.

FAQs

How to use "patently false" in a sentence?

You can use "patently false" to describe a statement, claim, or idea that is obviously untrue. For example, "His assertion that the Earth is flat is "patently false"".

What can I say instead of "patently false"?

You can use alternatives like "clearly untrue", "obviously wrong", or "blatantly incorrect" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "patently false" or "inherently false"?

"Patently false" means obviously false, while "inherently false" means false due to its very nature. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "patently false" and "misleading"?

"Patently false" means obviously untrue. "Misleading" means giving the wrong idea or impression, which may not necessarily be a direct lie.