self-evident truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "self-evident truth" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a fact or principle that is obvious and requires no further proof or explanation. For example, "It is a self-evident truth that all humans are created equal." Alternative expressions include "obvious fact" and "axiomatic truth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For ethical intuitions this non-inferred basis of knowledge is self-evident truth grasped by intuition.[3] It is, however, important to keep intuition and self-evidence separate for a number of reasons.

SEP

I know it's kind of a self-evident truth.

The New York Times

The framers thought that Americans' right to chase happiness around was a self-evident truth.

The New York Times

But the self-evident truth in the Declaration is that "all men are created equal".

The New York Times

So, what is the NHS going to do about this self-evident truth?

The Guardian

In my view it is a self-evident truth that George Bush is evil.

The Guardian

They take it, if not for granted, then as a self-evident truth.

The New Yorker

One might see this as less a sinister point than self-evident truth, but no matter.

The Guardian - Books

That suicide is a gendered phenomenon is a looming, inescapable, self-evident truth.

The Guardian - Opinion

This seems to me a self-evident truth, which seems to pass the panjandrums of the medical profession by.

The Guardian

In the end a guard tells one of the convicts the self-evident truth: "We can only have one winner".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Reserve this phrase for concepts that are truly axiomatic. If a statement requires external data or complex evidence to support it, it is not technically self-evident.

Common error

A common mistake is using "self-evident truth" to describe a personal opinion or a controversial viewpoint simply to shut down opposition. If a reasonable person could disagree with your premise, calling it a "self-evident truth" can make your writing seem arrogant or logically flawed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "self-evident truth" functions as a noun phrase composed of a compound adjective (self-evident) and a head noun (truth). In the sentences provided by Ludwig, it typically serves as the subject complement (e.g., "...was a self-evident truth") or the object of a preposition. According to Ludwig AI, the structure follows standard English rules for intensifying a noun with a descriptive qualifier.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "self-evident truth" is a robust and highly formal linguistic tool used to denote principles that are considered beyond dispute. Through an analysis of Ludwig's database, it is clear that this phrase is most frequently employed in high-level journalism and academic philosophy to ground arguments in fundamental values. Whether referring to the equality of humans as stated in the Declaration of Independence or to the logical necessity of a philosophical axiom, the phrase suggests a level of clarity that bypasses the need for empirical evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a grammatically correct and rhetorically powerful expression, though writers should be cautious not to use it for subjective opinions that are not truly universal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

axiomatic principle

Uses more formal, logical terminology to describe a starting point for reasoning.

manifest truth

Suggests that the truth is clearly revealed or apparent to the eye or mind.

inherent truth

Focuses on the truth being a natural and inseparable part of the subject.

undeniable reality

Shifts the focus from a propositional truth to a concrete, factual state of affairs.

given truth

Implies a truth that is accepted as valid without further debate.

indisputable certainty

Emphasizes the impossibility of doubting the fact being presented.

obvious fact

A more colloquial and less formal way to describe something that needs no proof.

fundamental axiom

Emphasizes the foundational role the truth plays in a larger system of thought.

plain truth

Removes the philosophical weight, focusing on simplicity and directness.

truism

Often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying the truth is so obvious it is hardly worth mentioning.

FAQs

How do I use "self-evident truth" in a sentence?

You can use it as a noun phrase to introduce an undeniable concept, for example: "That all citizens deserve equal protection under the law is a "self-evident truth"."

What is a more academic synonym for "self-evident truth"?

In philosophical or mathematical contexts, you can use the term "axiomatic principle" to refer to a truth that is accepted as the basis for further reasoning.

What is the difference between a "self-evident truth" and a "self-evident fact"?

While often used interchangeably, a "self-evident fact" usually refers to a specific, observable piece of information, whereas a "self-evident truth" often refers to a broader, more abstract principle or moral claim.

Can "self-evident truth" be used ironically?

Yes, writers often use it to mock someone who states something obvious as if it were profound, or to challenge a widely held belief that they believe is actually false.