to be true

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be true" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that something is true or accurate. For example: "It is said that flying is the safest form of travel - a statement that, to be true, is backed up by numerous studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Which happened to be true".

The New York Times

That seems to be true.

The New York Times

That appears to be true.

The New Yorker

Too good to be true.

Forbes

This proved to be true.

The New York Times

Which happens to be true.

The New York Times - Magazine

It seemed to good to be true.

The New York Times

(That also turned out to be true).

The New Yorker

This will probably prove to be true.

The Guardian

Most simply, they have to be true.

The New Yorker

Sounds too silly to be true?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be true" in a sentence, ensure that the subject and verb agree. For example, "The rumor turned out to be true" is correct, while "The rumors turned out to be true" maintains subject-verb agreement.

Common error

Avoid confusing "to be true" with the idiomatic expression "too good "to be true"", which implies skepticism about something that seems exceptionally promising. Using "to be true" in such contexts can alter the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be true" functions primarily as a predicate adjective or complement in a sentence, describing the state or condition of a subject. It typically follows a linking verb such as is, seems, appears, or turned out, as demonstrated in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be true" is a versatile expression used to affirm the validity or accuracy of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, it's essential to differentiate it from related idioms like "too good "to be true"", which conveys skepticism. Remembering these nuances will ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be accurate

Focuses on the correctness and precision of information.

to be correct

Indicates that something aligns with established facts or standards.

to be factual

Emphasizes that something is based on verifiable facts.

to be valid

Suggests that something is logically sound and well-founded.

to be genuine

Highlights the authenticity and sincerity of something.

to be authentic

Focuses on the originality and lack of fabrication.

to be the case

A more general way of saying that something is true or real.

to hold true

Suggests that something remains valid or accurate over time or across different situations.

to prove true

Indicates that something has been verified or confirmed as true.

to ring true

Emphasizes that something feels or seems genuine and believable.

FAQs

How can I use "to be true" in a sentence?

You can use "to be true" to emphasize the validity or accuracy of a statement. For example, "The claim turned out "to be true" after further investigation".

What are some alternatives to "to be true"?

Alternatives include "to be accurate", "to be correct", or "to be factual", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is true" instead of "to be true"?

Yes, "is true" is also grammatically correct. "To be true" often appears as part of a larger verb phrase or infinitive construction, while "is true" is a simple statement of fact.

What's the difference between "seems to be true" and "is true"?

"Seems "to be true"" suggests an appearance of truth but implies some uncertainty. "Is true" is a direct assertion of truth without reservation.