that's not true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that's not true" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to dispute something that someone has said or claimed. Example: "The article claimed that cats are smarter than dogs, but that's not true. Dogs are actually more trainable and have a better sense of smell."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'm proof that's not true.

The New York Times

Actually that's not true.

The New York Times - Magazine

Maybe that's not true.

The New York Times - Books

Fortunately, that's not true.

The New York Times

"That's not true here.

The New Yorker

That's not true football.

The New York Times

Obviously that's not true.

Independent

That's not true anymore.

The New York Times - Magazine

That's not true.

The New York Times

O.K., that's not true.

The New York Times - Arts

Surely that's not true.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that's not true" to directly contradict a statement or correct a misunderstanding. It's versatile and appropriate in many contexts, from casual conversations to more formal discussions.

Common error

While "that's not true" is useful, avoid overuse. Vary your language with alternatives like "that's incorrect" or "that's a misconception" to maintain engaging and nuanced communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that's not true" primarily functions as an interjection or declarative statement used to express disagreement, contradiction, or correction of a previously stated claim. Ludwig AI confirms its directness in refuting assertions. Its usage spans various contexts, from casual conversation to more formal debates.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that's not true" is a commonly used phrase to express disagreement or to correct an inaccurate statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, predominantly appearing in news and media. While versatile, varying your language with more formal alternatives in professional settings can enhance communication. It's important to provide supporting evidence when using this phrase in debates. Remember, while it is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it is more direct compared to other alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that isn't the case

Emphasizes that the stated situation or fact is incorrect.

that's incorrect

A more formal and direct way to state that something is wrong.

that's false

Clearly indicates that something is factually untrue.

that's simply not the truth

Adds emphasis to the falsehood of the statement.

that's a lie

A strong declaration that something is deliberately untrue.

that's not the reality

Highlights that the statement doesn't align with actual circumstances.

that's a misconception

Suggests the statement is based on a misunderstanding.

that's inaccurate

Indicates that the statement contains errors or inexact details.

that's far from the truth

Emphasizes a significant deviation from factual accuracy.

that's unfounded

Suggests that the statement lacks a solid basis or evidence.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "that's not true"?

You can use alternatives like "that isn't the case", "that's incorrect", or "that's false" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "that's not true" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "that's not true" is more suited for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "that is inaccurate" or "the claim is unfounded" for a more professional tone.

How can I use "that's not true" effectively in a debate?

Use "that's not true" to directly counter a claim, but always follow up with evidence or reasoning to support your rebuttal. Simply stating "that's not true" without further explanation is not persuasive.

What's the difference between "that's not true" and "that's a lie"?

"That's not true" simply indicates an inaccuracy, while "that's a lie" implies a deliberate attempt to deceive. "That's a lie" is a stronger and more accusatory statement.