seed of truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seed of truth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small piece of truth or a fundamental idea that may lead to greater understanding or insight. Example: "While the theory seemed far-fetched, there was a seed of truth in his argument that sparked further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Tarrant's hyperbole contains a seed of truth.

The Guardian

I don't think in my life I've ever written a story which does not have some little root, some little seed of truth or observation.

The Guardian - Books

Somewhere deep in all this lies a tiny seed of truth, but it is too often buried in a bed of bunk.Japanese social and business interactions are famously not contact sports, but the obvious exception is the rush-hour trains.

The Economist

Here we have two fresh rumors with one having a seed of truth while the other is 'out there'.

TechCrunch

I soon discovered that this article contained only a tiny seed of truth, surrounded by a mountain of anti-vaccine misinformation.

Forbes

He was planting a very important seed of truth inside kids' heads.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

As with most myths, these contain seeds of truth.

The Guardian - Film

There are few others as adept as Irving at harvesting lies from seeds of truth.

The Guardian - Books

We must plant the seeds of truth with the next generation, and in doing so they shall change their own nuclear families for the better.

The New York Times

The book takes seeds of truth from my family's story, so it's personal in that way, but I also had to throw the doors open and find my own way to tell it, my own way of settling up with history, which turned out to be a rather profound experience.

The New Yorker

He claimed to derive the general principles "from certain seeds of truth" that are innate in the mind (6:64).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seed of truth" to acknowledge a small but significant element of truth within a larger, possibly flawed, argument or narrative.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the importance of the "seed of truth". Ensure it genuinely contributes to understanding rather than being a trivial or misleading detail.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seed of truth" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a preposition or a complement within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its role in identifying a small but significant truthful element.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seed of truth" is a valid and useful phrase for identifying a small but significant truthful component within a larger context that might be uncertain or even false. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently encountered in diverse sources, ranging from news and media to scientific and academic publications. When using the phrase, ensure to acknowledge that the element of truth exists and has potential for growth, but be mindful not to overstate its significance. Alternatives such as "element of truth" or "kernel of truth" can provide slight shifts in meaning, emphasizing different aspects of the truthful element.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

element of truth

Focuses on the presence of a true element, without necessarily implying growth or potential.

kernel of truth

Highlights the central, essential part of the truth, like the core of a seed.

grain of truth

Emphasizes the small size and relative insignificance of the true component.

nugget of truth

Suggests a valuable and concentrated piece of truth, discovered within something else.

hint of truth

Implies a subtle or indirect indication of truth.

trace of truth

Indicates a minimal amount or barely detectable presence of truth.

basis in reality

Shifts the focus from truth to the grounding in factual events or circumstances.

foundation of truth

Highlights the foundational aspect of truth, a solid base upon which to build.

point of validity

Focuses on the correctness or justification of a particular statement or idea.

underlying truth

Highlights the hidden or fundamental truth that supports something else.

FAQs

How can I use "seed of truth" in a sentence?

You can use "seed of truth" to acknowledge a small but significant element of truth within a larger, possibly flawed, argument or narrative. For example: "While the conspiracy theory was mostly unfounded, there was a "seed of truth" in its criticism of corporate lobbying."

What are some alternatives to "seed of truth"?

Some alternatives to "seed of truth" include "element of truth", "kernel of truth", or "grain of truth", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "seed of truth" or "seeds of truth"?

"Seed of truth" generally refers to a single, fundamental element of truth. "Seeds of truth" refers to multiple instances or facets of truth, implying a broader and more multifaceted presence of truth. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the context.

What is the difference between "seed of truth" and "hint of truth"?

While both suggest the presence of truth, "seed of truth" implies a potential for growth or further development, whereas "hint of truth" simply indicates a subtle or indirect indication, without necessarily implying future growth.