true

USAGE SUMMARY

"true" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an adjective to describe something that is accurate or genuine, as an adverb to emphasize a statement, or as a noun to refer to the concept of truth. Example sentence: We must always strive to be true to ourselves.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And that is true.

The New York Times

If only it were true.

The New York Times

This is probably true.

The New York Times

"It's a cliché, but it's true.

The New York Times

"And it was true.

The New York Times

But is it true?

The New York Times

The same is true of North Korea.

The New York Times

But that is not true.

The New York Times

How true!

The New York Times

(All true).

The New York Times - Arts

In fact, the opposite is true.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision, consider alternatives like "accurate" or "factual" to add nuance.

Common error

While "true" is a versatile word, overuse can make writing sound simplistic. In formal or academic settings, substituting with synonyms like "accurate", "genuine", or "valid" can enhance the sophistication and precision of your message.

Linguistic Context

The word "true" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate authenticity, accuracy, or genuineness. As evidenced by Ludwig, it also functions as an adverb, noun, and verb, albeit less frequently.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "true" is a versatile term used to affirm the validity, accuracy, or genuineness of something. Functioning primarily as an adjective, it also sees use as an adverb, noun, and verb. As Ludwig AI confirms, "true" is grammatically correct and very common across diverse contexts, including news, business, and science. While appropriate in most situations, substituting "true" with synonyms like "accurate", "genuine", or "valid" can enhance precision and sophistication, especially in formal writing. Key usage includes verifying statements and confirming the accuracy of information. Overuse should be avoided by employing alternatives to maintain writing quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

correct

This alternative indicates something is free from error.

reliable

This alternative emphasizes the consistency and dependability of information.

accurate

This alternative emphasizes the correctness and precision of information.

genuine

This alternative highlights the authenticity and sincerity of something.

authentic

This alternative focuses on the originality and lack of imitation.

factual

This alternative stresses that something is based on facts and evidence.

trustworthy

This alternative stresses the reliability and dependability of something.

valid

This alternative suggests something is well-founded and logically sound.

verifiable

This alternative highlights that something can be proven to be true.

legitimate

This alternative implies that something is in accordance with the law or rules.

FAQs

How can I use "true" in a sentence?

"True" can be used as an adjective (e.g., "This is a true story"), an adverb (e.g., "This gun shoots true"), a noun (e.g., "Find the true meaning"), or a verb (e.g., "True up the report").

What are some synonyms for "true" as an adjective?

Some alternatives to "true" include "accurate", "genuine", "factual", "correct", and "valid". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "true" in formal writing?

While "true" is grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound simplistic in formal contexts. Consider using more precise alternatives like "authentic" or "reliable" to add sophistication.

Which is more appropriate: "This is true" or "This is correct"?

Both phrases are valid, but "This is correct" often implies a higher degree of accuracy or adherence to a standard, whereas "This is true" simply asserts the veracity of a statement.