ring true for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ring true for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express that something resonates or is applicable to a particular person or situation. Example: "Her words about resilience really ring true for me, especially after everything I've been through."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Does this ring true for you?

The New York Times

Does this ring true for your students?

The New York Times

Those words ring true for me.

The New York Times

A couple of things don't quite ring true for me.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Daniel Ferbé continues not to ring true for me.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Your instructor may be good, but what works for them may not ring true for you.

The Guardian - Travel

Perlin gives many telling examples which ring true for a veteran intern.

The Guardian - Books

She searched for an example that might ring true for the students.

The New York Times

Even at the time, though, the account of a "victory" failed to ring true for many.

The New York Times

This account will ring true for many readers: the same history keeps repeating.

The New Yorker

Do the ideas of a "leadership trap"— and the suggested approach for unlocking it — ring true for you?

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ring true for" when you want to express that something aligns with someone's experiences, beliefs, or understanding. It indicates a sense of authenticity and resonance.

Common error

While "ring true for" is a valid expression, avoid overusing it in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "resonate with" or "feel authentic to" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ring true for" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that something is perceived as genuine, authentic, or believable by someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests a sense of resonance or alignment with one's experiences or understanding. It connects a subject with a feeling of truth or validity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ring true for" is a versatile phrase used to express that something feels authentic or resonates with someone's experiences. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and everyday conversation. While it's a valuable phrase, be mindful of overuse and consider alternatives like "resonate with" or "feel authentic to" for variety. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian reinforces its credibility and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resonate with

Indicates a deeper emotional or personal connection; slightly stronger than a simple agreement.

sound plausible to

Focuses on the believability or credibility of something.

feel authentic to

Emphasizes the genuineness and sincerity of something.

strike a chord with

Suggests an emotional resonance or a feeling of connection.

hold validity for

Highlights that something continues to be factually correct or logically sound

be applicable to

Focuses on the relevance and suitability of something in a specific context.

bear scrutiny for

Highlights how something is able to withstand in-depth analysis and can be viewed with confidence.

align with

Highlights the level of agreement with something, in terms of point of view.

click with

Implies an immediate understanding and affinity.

correspond to

Highlights the level of consistence or equivalence with something.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "rings true"?

When something "rings true", it means it feels authentic, genuine, and aligns with one's own experiences or understanding. It evokes a sense of agreement or recognition.

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

You can use "ring true for" to describe how a statement, story, or explanation resonates with someone. For example, "Her explanation of the events "rings true for" me because I experienced something similar."

What are some alternatives to "ring true for"?

Alternatives to "ring true for" include "resonate with", "sound plausible to", "feel authentic to", or "strike a chord with". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "ring true for" formal or informal?

"Ring true for" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news articles, academic papers, and everyday conversations.