sheer truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sheer truth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the absolute or unadulterated nature of a truth or fact. Example: "In the end, the sheer truth of the matter is that we must face our mistakes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

His forte was that span of English music from Stanford through to Walton and beyond, and those who heard him in that repertoire will not forget the passion, lyricism and sheer truth that he brought to it.

The Guardian - Music

Consider (2) for example: from the sheer truth of a proposition p it does not (logically) follow that p follows logically from any proposition whatsoever.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

With three conservatives for every two liberals, the sheer arithmetic truth is that in a polarized electorate effectively mobilized by both major parties, Democratic candidates must capture upwards of 60 per cent of the moderate vote — a target only Bill Clinton has reached in recent times — to win a national election".

The New Yorker

Although the joyously cathartic thunder of voices at the top of the ninth inning was, for obvious reasons, about so much more than suited-up men on a diamond, never have I witnessed or felt the sheer American truth of baseball more deeply.

The New York Times

In Cleopatra's case, the sheer absence of truth has guaranteed the legend.

The New York Times

In another essay he expounded on the sheer difficulty: "The truth is it's a crazy way to play the uke; ease of execution is all but sacrificed, subordinated to whatever it takes to get that shimmering, harplike sound.

The New York Times - Arts

It is in truth sheer luck that we are still here on this lovely planet of ours.

Huffington Post

Public officials' lying makes the sheer sound of truth-telling hard to even register now.

The New York Times

It yields violence and injustice in the name of religion that is in truth the sheer willingness to commit moral atrocities in the name of the state, hiding behind an illusory cloak of religious piety.

SEP

Of course, these dismissals carry some weight Croce's reading is prodigious and there is more insight beneath the words than initially meets the eye but unless the reader were already convinced that here at last is the truth, their sheer number and vehemence will arouse mistrust.

SEP

His youth and his beauty supply him with the hope and sheer momentum now that keeps truth at bay.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: while grammatically correct, the intensity of "sheer truth" might be better suited for persuasive writing or highlighting crucial information.

Common error

Avoid using "sheer truth" for trivial matters; reserve it for situations where the truth is significant and needs to be emphasized, otherwise it can sound overly dramatic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheer truth" functions as a noun phrase with adjectival modification. The adjective 'sheer' intensifies the noun 'truth', emphasizing the unadulterated and absolute nature of the truth being conveyed. This is supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sheer truth" is a grammatically sound and emphatic way to express the absolute nature of a truth. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in English, adding emphasis and conviction. While its frequency is uncommon, its impact can be significant. It finds its use in diverse contexts from news to philosophy, effectively underscoring the certainty and undeniable essence of what is being communicated. For alternatives, consider "absolute truth" or "unvarnished truth" for similar emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolute truth

Focuses on the completeness and lack of ambiguity in the truth.

unadulterated truth

Highlights the purity and lack of corruption or modification of the truth.

pure truth

Emphasizes the unmixed and untainted nature of the truth.

simple truth

Highlights the straightforward and uncomplicated nature of the truth.

plain truth

Stresses the clarity and obviousness of the truth.

naked truth

Emphasizes the raw and undisguised nature of the truth.

undeniable truth

Focuses on the irrefutable and unquestionable nature of the truth.

incontrovertible truth

Highlights the indisputable and certain nature of the truth.

unvarnished truth

Stresses the direct and unfiltered presentation of the truth.

brute truth

Emphasizes the harsh and unyielding reality of the truth.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "sheer truth" in a sentence?

Use "sheer truth" when you want to emphasize the absolute and undeniable nature of a fact or statement. For example, "The "sheer truth" is that without drastic changes, the project will fail."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "sheer truth"?

You can use alternatives like "absolute truth", "undeniable truth", or "unvarnished truth" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sheer truth" too strong of a phrase to use in formal writing?

While "sheer truth" is grammatically correct, its strong emphasis might make it more suitable for persuasive or impactful writing. In formal writing, consider more neutral alternatives such as "undeniable fact" or "plain truth".

What distinguishes "sheer truth" from a regular statement of fact?

"Sheer truth" is used to highlight the undeniable and absolute nature of a truth, often in the face of doubt or opposition. It's about emphasizing the significance and irrefutability of the fact, making it more emphatic than a simple statement.