patently untrue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "patently untrue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a statement or claim that is clearly and obviously false. Example: "The assertion that the earth is flat is patently untrue, as overwhelming scientific evidence supports its spherical shape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Patently untrue.

The Guardian - Sport

This is patently untrue.

The New Yorker

On its face this is patently untrue.

The Economist

History shows this to be patently untrue.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is, of course, patently untrue.

The Guardian

"That is patently untrue," Mr. Granger said.

The New York Times

This was patently untrue, as Citi's own history had demonstrated.

The Economist

"Any claim to the contrary is patently untrue and false".

The New York Times

Ms. Norton's spokesman said those reports were "patently untrue".

The New York Times

Mr. Paciello's lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, called the allegations "patently untrue".

The New York Times

This is patently untrue, so beware this over-compensation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "patently untrue" when you want to strongly emphasize that something is obviously and undeniably false, leaving no room for doubt or misinterpretation.

Common error

While "patently untrue" is a strong and effective phrase, avoid using it excessively in informal settings, as it can come across as overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "clearly false" or "obviously not true" in casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "patently untrue" functions as an adverb-adjective combination that modifies a statement or claim. It serves to strongly assert that the statement is not only false but also obviously and undeniably so. As Ludwig examples show, it emphasizes the clear and evident nature of the falsehood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "patently untrue" is a powerful phrase used to express that something is obviously false. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, but is also applicable in formal, business, and scientific settings. When aiming for strong emphasis and clarity, "patently untrue" is a good choice. However, in more casual settings, consider using less formal alternatives such as ""clearly false"" or ""obviously untrue"".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Manifestly untrue

Emphasizes the obvious and undeniable nature of the falsehood.

Blatantly untrue

Highlights the brazen and flagrant nature of the untruth.

Clearly false

A straightforward and direct way to express that something is not true.

Obviously untrue

Focuses on the evident and apparent nature of the falsehood.

Demonstrably false

Indicates that the untruth can be proven with evidence.

Plainly untrue

Suggests the untruth is easily discernible and requires no deep analysis.

Indisputably untrue

Implies that the statement cannot be reasonably challenged or questioned.

Undeniably false

Similar to indisputably untrue, but emphasizes the inability to deny the falsehood.

Completely untrue

Highlights the absolute absence of truth in the statement.

Absolutely untrue

Emphasizes the total lack of truth and leaves no room for doubt.

FAQs

How can I use "patently untrue" in a sentence?

Use "patently untrue" to describe something that is obviously false. For example, "His claim that he didn't know about the meeting was "patently untrue", given that he sent the invitations."

What are some alternatives to "patently untrue"?

Some alternatives to "patently untrue" include "clearly false", "obviously untrue", or "demonstrably false". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "patently untrue" formal or informal?

"Patently untrue" leans toward the formal side. In more casual settings, simpler phrases like "clearly not true" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "patently untrue" and "slightly inaccurate"?

"Patently untrue" indicates a clear and obvious falsehood, whereas "slightly inaccurate" suggests a minor deviation from the truth. The former implies a deliberate misrepresentation, while the latter may indicate an honest mistake.