told the truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "told the truth" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who has conveyed accurate information or honesty in a situation. Example: "After much deliberation, she finally told the truth about what happened that night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I told the truth".

The New York Times

You told the truth.

Independent

"I've told the truth".

The New York Times

He just told the truth.

The New York Times - Sports

Guileless children told the truth?

The New Yorker

But actions told the truth.

The New York Times - Sports

He said McIlvain had told the truth.

The New York Times - Sports

It said, "Anita Told the Truth".

The New Yorker

He wants to be told the truth.

The New York Times - Sports

"I told the truth last week.

Independent

We told the truth.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and the register of your writing when choosing between "told the truth" and more formal or informal alternatives. A professional context may benefit from a more precise term like "provided accurate information".

Common error

Be aware that while honesty is generally valued, simply stating "he told the truth" does not guarantee a positive outcome for the subject. The consequences of truth-telling depend heavily on the context and the nature of the truth itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "told the truth" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, often serving as the predicate of a sentence. It indicates that a subject has conveyed information honestly. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "told the truth" is a grammatically sound and common expression used to indicate that someone has spoken honestly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and utilized across various contexts. Its primary function is to assert the honesty of a statement or individual, with a neutral register that makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. While widely accepted, understanding the consequences and context in which the truth is told remains crucial for effective communication. Common alternative phrases include "spoke truthfully" and "gave an honest account", offering nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. With its frequent appearance in news and media, mastering its usage enhances one's ability to articulate honesty and integrity accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gave an honest account

Focuses on the provision of a sincere and truthful narrative.

spoke truthfully

Emphasizes the act of speaking honestly, focusing on the manner of communication.

testified truthfully

Specifically relates to providing honest evidence or a statement under oath.

offered a truthful version

Highlights a particular rendition of events, emphasizing its veracity.

revealed the facts

Stresses the uncovering of factual information, implying prior concealment.

related the facts

Highlights the conveying of factual information, with less emphasis on personal honesty.

disclosed the reality

Implies the unveiling of an actual state of affairs, often after a period of uncertainty.

professed honestly

Highlights a sincere declaration or admission of something.

presented the unvarnished truth

Emphasizes the purity and lack of embellishment in the information conveyed.

came clean

Implies a previous concealment and a subsequent admission of guilt or truth.

FAQs

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

You can use "told the truth" to indicate that someone has conveyed accurate information or honesty in a situation. For example: "After much deliberation, she finally told the truth about what happened that night."

What can I say instead of "told the truth"?

You can use alternatives like "spoke truthfully", "gave an honest account", or "revealed the facts" depending on the context.

Is it always better to have "told the truth"?

While honesty is generally valued, the impact of having "told the truth" can vary based on the context. Sometimes, the consequences can be complex or even negative, depending on the situation and the specific truth that was revealed.

What's the difference between "told the truth" and "revealed the truth"?

"Told the truth" simply means conveying accurate information. "Revealed the truth" implies that the information was previously hidden or unknown.