true or false

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'true or false' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used to ask a question that requires a yes or no answer. For example: "Is it true or false that elephants can fly?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

1. True or false?

The New York Times

"True or false," he said.

The New Yorker

"True or false," Moss said.

The New Yorker

9. True or false?

The New York Times

True or False?

The New Yorker

2) True or false?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Just take this true-or-false quiz.

The New York Times

These are true-or-false statements that cannot be reconciled.

The Washington Post

They are true-or-false.

SEP

And this is a true-or-false round.

BBC

Many are true-or-false, or multiple-choice.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "true or false" in a question, ensure the statement being evaluated is clear and unambiguous to avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

Do not create "true or false" questions with double negatives or convoluted wording, as this can confuse respondents and undermine the assessment's validity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "true or false" functions as an adjectival phrase used to describe a type of question or statement that requires a binary assessment of its veracity. Ludwig examples demonstrate its common use in quizzes and tests.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "true or false" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to present a binary choice regarding the veracity of a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for a wide range of contexts, from academic assessments to news reporting. The analysis reveals its function as an adjectival phrase prompting a judgment of accuracy, with a neutral register appropriate for diverse audiences. Related phrases offer nuanced alternatives for expressing similar concepts. The phrase's usage is very common in media and academic content. Remember to craft clear, unambiguous statements when using "true or false" questions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuine or false

Emphasizes authenticity and lack of deception.

truthful or untruthful

Directly addresses the presence or absence of honesty.

accurate or inaccurate

Highlights the degree of precision or faithfulness to reality.

correct or incorrect

Focuses on the accuracy of information rather than a binary truth value.

right or wrong

Implies a moral or ethical judgment in addition to factual accuracy.

valid or invalid

Emphasizes the logical structure or soundness of an argument or statement.

factual or fictional

Contrasts reality with imagination or invention.

confirmed or unconfirmed

Highlights if the information is validated by a reliable source or not.

yes or no

A basic binary choice, lacking the specific connotation of truth assessment.

affirmative or negative

A formal binary response, often used in surveys or official contexts.

FAQs

How do I use "true or false" in a sentence?

You can use "true or false" to introduce a statement that requires a binary response. For example, "True or false: The Earth is flat?"

What's a less formal way to ask a "true or false" question?

Instead of a formal setup, you could phrase it as "Is it "true" that...?" or "Is that "false"?" depending on the context.

Are there alternatives to saying "true or false"?

Yes, you could use phrases like "Is that "correct or incorrect"?", "Right or wrong?", or "Valid or invalid?", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Can "true or false" be used outside of quizzes?

Yes, it can be used in discussions or debates to challenge a statement or idea. For example, "True or false: This policy will solve the problem?"