technically true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "technically true" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is accurate in a strict or formal sense, even if it may not be entirely applicable or relevant in a broader context. Example: "While the statement is technically true, it doesn't capture the full picture of the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The two nurses first analysed the technical validity of the alarms, and divided the alarms into three categories, technically true, technically false and indeterminable.

BMJ Open

Technically, true.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is technically true.

The New York Times

It is technically true.

The Guardian

That's not technically true.

The New York Times

Technically true, but certainly disingenuous.

The New York Times

That is still technically true.

The Guardian - Tech

This is technically true but fundamentally misleading.

The New Yorker

That's technically true but a little misleading.

The New York Times

(All of that is technically true).

The Guardian

That's technically true and politically irrelevant.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of "technically true". While it acknowledges accuracy, it often implies that the statement lacks full transparency or relevance, so use it judiciously and be sure that your point is well supported.

Common error

Avoid using "technically true" as a standalone dismissal. Always explain why the statement, though accurate, is misleading or irrelevant to provide a balanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "technically true" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by an adjective, primarily serving to qualify a statement's truthfulness. This qualification often suggests that while the statement is not false, it may be misleading or incomplete. Ludwig shows that this construction is widely used across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "technically true" is a common and versatile expression used to qualify the accuracy of a statement while often implying that it may be misleading or incomplete. As Ludwig confirms, its usage spans across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, where nuanced communication is critical. While grammatically correct, its effectiveness relies on the writer's ability to provide context and explain the discrepancy between technical accuracy and overall relevance. Alternatives such as "formally correct" or "strictly accurate" can be considered depending on the specific nuance intended. Therefore, use the expression in full awareness of its possible ambiguity and be sure that your point is well supported.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formally correct

Emphasizes adherence to a formal or official standard.

strictly accurate

Highlights the precision and exactness of the statement.

literally true

Focuses on the direct, non-figurative meaning of the statement.

factually correct

Stresses the alignment with verifiable facts.

by the letter of the law

Implies adherence to the precise wording of a rule or law, possibly while circumventing its spirit.

in a narrow sense

Indicates truth within a limited scope or perspective.

in a limited sense

Highlights that the statement is only true under specific constraints.

ostensibly true

Suggests that the truth is apparent but possibly deceptive upon closer inspection.

nominally correct

Indicates a superficial correctness that may not hold up under scrutiny.

in theory true

Suggests the statement is true in principle but may not be in practice.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is "technically true"?

When something is "technically true", it means that it's accurate in a strict, literal sense, but it might be misleading or irrelevant in a broader context. It suggests that while the statement isn't false, it doesn't provide a complete or honest picture.

How can I use "technically true" in a sentence?

You can use "technically true" to acknowledge the accuracy of a statement while implying it might be misleading or incomplete. For example: "The company claimed record profits, which is "technically true", but it doesn't account for the massive layoffs that occurred."

Which is correct, "technically true" or "technically correct"?

"Technically true" and "technically correct" are often interchangeable, but "technically true" emphasizes the factual accuracy of a statement, while "technically correct" emphasizes adherence to rules or procedures. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What can I say instead of "technically true"?

You can use alternatives like "formally correct", "strictly accurate", or "literally true" depending on the nuance you want to convey.