to be truthful

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be truthful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that you are saying something honest and sincere. For example, you could say: "To be truthful, I have always admired her work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The officers know to be truthful.

The New York Times

My responsibility is to be truthful.

Independent

"You have to be truthful".

The New York Times - Sports

But you're also hoping to be truthful.

The Economist

"She was secretive, to be truthful.

The New York Times - Arts

"But they're still supposed to be truthful.

The New York Times

But equally, I want to be truthful.

The Guardian

"But I've got to be truthful.

The New York Times

Couldn't be more disappointed to be truthful.

The Guardian - Sport

I was trying to be truthful.

The Guardian - Film

It needs to be truthful yet reassuring.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be truthful" in formal writing, consider stronger alternatives like "in truth" or "candidly" for a more professional tone.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "to be truthful". While it can be effective, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and insincere. Vary your sentence structure and use synonyms like "honestly" or "frankly" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be truthful" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it modifies a clause or sentence, expressing the speaker's intent to convey the truth. This is evident in the numerous examples provided, where it introduces a candid statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be truthful" is a versatile phrase used to introduce honest statements across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and signals sincerity. While highly common, especially in news and media, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid redundancy. Consider related phrases like ""to be honest"" or ""frankly speaking"" for variety and, in more formal settings, opt for phrases such as ""in truth"" for a more polished tone. This phrase serves as a reliable tool for conveying genuineness in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be honest

This alternative offers a more direct and concise way to express sincerity.

in all honesty

This phrase emphasizes the speaker's honest intention, adding a touch of formality.

to tell the truth

This emphasizes the act of speaking truthfully, focusing on the veracity of the statement.

frankly speaking

Indicates a candid and straightforward expression of opinion, potentially more blunt.

to be candid

Similar to "to be honest", but suggests a more open and unreserved disclosure.

in truth

This alternative is a more concise and slightly formal way to introduce a truthful statement.

to be frank with you

This phrase directly addresses the listener, signaling a forthcoming honest statement.

honestly speaking

Highlights the speaker's sincerity and genuine intent in their statement.

if I'm being honest

Acknowledges a degree of subjectivity and self-reflection in the statement.

the truth is

This phrase introduces a statement of fact, often revealing something previously unsaid or concealed.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be truthful" to preface an honest or perhaps unexpected statement. For example, "To be truthful, I never really enjoyed that movie."

What are some alternatives to "to be truthful"?

Alternatives include "to be honest", "frankly speaking", or "in all honesty", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "to be truthful" considered formal or informal?

"To be truthful" sits in a relatively neutral register, suitable for both spoken and written contexts. However, in very formal writing, alternatives like "in truth" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "to be truthful" and "to be honest with you"?

"To be truthful" is a general preface to an honest statement. "To be honest with you" directly addresses the listener, creating a more personal tone and directly seeking their attention.