say the truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "say the truth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in two ways. For example, you can use it as a command or exhortation, as in, "I implore you to say the truth." Alternatively, you can use it as a rhetorical question, such as, "She said she was busy, but can we trust her to say the truth?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We can never say the truth".

The New York Times

Still got to say the truth.

The Washington Post

"No one will say the truth.

The New York Times

I have to say the truth.

The New York Times - Sports

Don't say: The truth is out there.

The Guardian

"We were trying to say the truth," she said.

The New York Times

But, as they say, the truth will out.

The New York Times

And when you can say the truth, say it".

The New York Times

But let's say the truth is not quite as extreme.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Sometimes you have to say the truth to your friends.

The New York Times

I am here to say the truth is altogether different.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "say the truth" in persuasive writing, ensure your statement is backed by credible evidence to enhance its impact and trustworthiness.

Common error

Ensure you're not using "say the truth" as a substitute for providing specific details or evidence. Merely stating that you're saying the truth doesn't make it so; back it up with facts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "say the truth" functions as an imperative or a declarative statement, often used to emphasize the importance of honesty or to urge someone to be truthful. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in both direct commands and indirect statements about the necessity of truthfulness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "say the truth" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the importance of honesty. Ludwig's analysis confirms its usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like ""speak honestly"" or ""tell it like it is"" exist, "say the truth" offers a direct and clear expression of the need for truthfulness. Remember to support claims with evidence and be mindful of the context to maintain credibility and effectiveness in your communication. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in many different ways.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

speak honestly

This alternative replaces "say the truth" with a single adverb that encapsulates the idea of truthfulness in speaking.

tell it like it is

This idiom suggests speaking directly and frankly, without softening the message.

be forthright

This option encourages directness and openness in communication.

express the reality

This phrase focuses on conveying an accurate depiction of events or situations.

divulge the facts

This option emphasizes revealing specific details or information that are true.

state the actualities

This choice encourages the declaration of verifiable and factual information.

share the real story

This option emphasizes conveying a narrative that is genuine and truthful.

give an honest account

This alternative involves providing a sincere and truthful report of events.

articulate the facts

This suggests clearly and effectively communicating truthful information.

reveal the reality

This phrase emphasizes the act of making the true state of affairs known.

FAQs

How can I use "say the truth" in a sentence?

You can use "say the truth" as a direct imperative, like "Just "say the truth", and everything will be alright". Or you can use it as a statement indicating the importance of honesty: "It's crucial to "say the truth" in this situation".

Is it always appropriate to "say the truth"?

While honesty is generally valued, consider the context. Sometimes, tact and diplomacy are necessary. However, prioritize "speaking honestly" whenever possible while being mindful of the potential impact on others.

What are some alternatives to "say the truth"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "speak honestly", "tell it like it is", or "be forthright". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

How does "say the truth" differ from "tell the truth"?

While similar, "say the truth" emphasizes the act of uttering the truth, while "tell the truth" focuses more on conveying information honestly. They are largely interchangeable, but "tell the truth" might imply a more complete account.