that rings true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that rings true" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing that something feels accurate, genuine, or resonates with one's beliefs or experiences. Example: "Her explanation of the situation was so relatable; it really rings true for anyone who has faced similar challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I think that rings true.

The New Yorker

A sentiment that rings true in teaching.

The Guardian

And here, finally, is something that rings true.

The Washington Post

It's not just her original impulse that rings true.

The Guardian - Film

But there's an abjectness at the center that rings true.

The New York Times

To any old Africa hand, that rings true.

The New York Times

Not meeting Mr Right, now that rings true.

Independent

Is that something that rings true for you?

The New York Times

The Times succeeded, and in a way that rings true in China.

The New Yorker

There is one aspect of George Osborne's speech on Monday that rings true.

The Guardian - Business

That's not the only thing that rings true in Guy Hibbert's thriller; Edward's work does too.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that rings true" when you want to express that something aligns with your understanding, experience, or intuition, indicating a sense of authenticity or accuracy. It's best used when there's a subjective element of agreement or resonance.

Common error

While versatile, "that rings true" can sound slightly informal in highly academic or professional writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "that is consistent with the findings" or "that appears valid" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that rings true" primarily functions as a comment or affirmation, indicating agreement or recognition of truthfulness. It is used to express that something feels genuine or aligns with one's understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that rings true" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express agreement or a sense of authenticity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that something resonates with one's personal experiences or understanding. Predominantly found in News & Media, but also present in academic and formal contexts, its neutral register makes it broadly applicable. While versatile, remember to consider more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing. When something genuinely feels accurate or genuine, "that rings true" is a perfectly suitable way to express it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that resonates

Emphasizes the emotional or intellectual connection something makes.

that sounds plausible

Highlights the believability and reasonableness of something.

that feels authentic

Focuses on the genuine and sincere nature of something.

that seems accurate

Stresses the correctness and precision of something.

that strikes a chord

Indicates a deep emotional or intuitive connection.

that holds water

Suggests something stands up to scrutiny and is logically sound.

that checks out

Implies something has been verified or confirmed.

that's credible

Highlights the trustworthiness and reliability of something.

that has the ring of truth

Emphasizes the sense of truthfulness and genuineness.

that appears valid

Suggests something is legitimate and well-founded.

FAQs

What does "that rings true" mean?

The phrase "that rings true" means that something feels authentic, genuine, or accurate. It suggests a sense of agreement or resonance with one's own beliefs or experiences.

How can I use "that rings true" in a sentence?

You can use "that rings true" to express that something aligns with your understanding or intuition. For example, "Her explanation of the situation was so relatable; "that rings true" for anyone who has faced similar challenges."

What can I say instead of "that rings true"?

You can use alternatives like "that resonates", "that feels authentic", or "that sounds plausible" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "that rings true" formal or informal?

The phrase "that rings true" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. While acceptable in most contexts, more formal alternatives may be preferable in highly academic or professional writing.