ring true

USAGE SUMMARY

"ring true" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is generally used to describe when something is genuine, believable, or has a sense of authenticity. For example, "The story of his successes never seemed to ring true, so I didn't believe it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Yeung's points ring true.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It doesn't ring true.

Harvard Business Review

Something doesn't ring true.

The Guardian - Books

His ideas still ring true.

The New Yorker

It just doesn't ring true.

Independent

But does it ring true?

The New Yorker

It doesn't ring true, somehow.

Independent

Somehow, that doesn't ring true.

Independent

It simply didn't ring true.

The Guardian - Books

The words ring true today.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Sandy's instincts ring true.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ring true" to convey a sense of authenticity and believability when describing statements, stories, or explanations.

Common error

Avoid using "ring true" to describe inanimate objects unless they metaphorically represent something with inherent truth or authenticity. It's generally better suited for describing ideas, claims, or sentiments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ring true" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, typically used to describe a statement, explanation, or sentiment that seems genuine, authentic, or believable. It indicates that something resonates with a sense of truth or aligns with one's understanding of reality, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ring true" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe something that seems genuine or believable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread application across various contexts, from News & Media to Academia. When using "ring true", ensure it aligns with statements or sentiments, rather than inanimate objects, to effectively convey authenticity. Consider alternatives like "sound authentic" or "seem plausible" to subtly adjust the nuance. By understanding its function and usage patterns, you can confidently employ "ring true" in your writing to enhance clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have the ring of sincerity

Highlights the sincere and honest nature of something.

seem plausible

Emphasizes the believability and reasonableness of something.

feel credible

Focuses on the sense of trustworthiness and reliability.

sound authentic

Focuses more on the genuine quality of the sound or impression.

appear genuine

Highlights the outward appearance of being real or honest.

resonate as genuine

Suggests a deeper, more emotional connection to the feeling of authenticity.

strike a chord of truth

Implies that something triggers a recognition of truth within the listener.

hold up as valid

Focuses on the ability of something to withstand scrutiny and remain truthful.

bear the hallmarks of truth

Highlights the characteristics that indicate something is truthful.

carry the weight of truth

Emphasizes the significance and impact of the truth being conveyed.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is said to "ring true"?

When something is said to "ring true", it means that it seems genuine, authentic, or believable. It suggests that the information or statement aligns with what one knows or expects to be true.

How can I use "ring true" in a sentence?

You can use "ring true" to describe anything that feels authentic or believable. For instance, "His explanation of the events didn't "seem plausible"" or "Her story about the accident didn't "sound authentic"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "ring true"?

Alternatives to "ring true" include "sound authentic", "seem plausible", or "feel credible". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something "doesn't ring true"?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to say something "doesn't ring true". This indicates that something seems false, insincere, or unconvincing.