the sheer truth

USAGE SUMMARY

"the sheer truth" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is undeniably true. For example, "The sheer truth is that no one can deny his accomplishments."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

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

59 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

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

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

Edmund White's novel, doing justice to all this confusion, tingles none the less with its own excitement: the value, and novelty, the sheer teeming interest, of telling the truth.

The Guardian - Books

Taking a picture feels like signing up to some mad collective self-delusion that we are all artists with an eye for beauty, when the tragicomic truth is that the sheer plenitude and repetition of modern amateur photography makes beauty glib.

The Guardian - Opinion

It would be easy to go on and on about the sheer South Parkiness of The Stick of Truth, because this is its most important quality.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the sheer truth" to emphasize the overwhelming and undeniable nature of a statement, particularly when confronting disbelief or skepticism.

Common error

Avoid using "the sheer truth" as a rhetorical crutch. Ensure the statement it introduces is genuinely impactful and supported by evidence, rather than merely asserted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the sheer truth" functions as a noun phrase, emphasizing the overwhelming or undeniable nature of a particular truth. It's used to lend weight to a statement, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the sheer truth" is a phrase used to emphasize the overwhelming and undeniable nature of a fact or statement. It functions as a noun phrase and appears in both news and scientific contexts, as indicated by Ludwig. While grammatically correct and understandable, the phrase is relatively rare in occurrence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriateness in English writing, highlighting its role in emphasizing the undeniable nature of a statement. Using this phrase can add emphasis to your writing, but be mindful of overuse and ensure it introduces a genuinely impactful statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the naked truth

Focuses on the unembellished and undisguised nature of the truth.

the plain truth

Highlights the simplicity and clarity of the truth.

the simple truth

Emphasizes the uncomplicated nature of the truth.

the brutal truth

Implies the truth is harsh and potentially painful.

the stark truth

Conveys the truth is bare and unavoidable.

the undeniable truth

Stresses the impossibility of denying the truth.

the unvarnished truth

Similar to “naked truth”, suggesting honesty and directness.

the unadulterated truth

Indicates the truth is pure and untainted.

the absolute truth

Highlights the certainty and completeness of the truth.

the honest truth

Emphasizes the sincerity and integrity of the truth.

FAQs

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

Use "the sheer truth" to introduce a statement that is overwhelmingly evident or undeniable. For example, "The sheer truth is that without proper funding, this project will fail."

What phrases are similar to "the sheer truth"?

Alternatives include "the naked truth", "the plain truth", or "the simple truth", each emphasizing a different aspect of the truth's nature.

Is "the sheer truth" a formal or informal expression?

"The sheer truth" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's often found in persuasive or emphatic statements regardless of formality.

What makes "the sheer truth" different from just "the truth"?

Adding "sheer" emphasizes the magnitude or overwhelming nature of the truth. It suggests the truth is not just present, but also impossible to ignore due to its intensity or clarity.