true or untrue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "true or untrue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the validity or accuracy of a statement or claim. Example: "The statement that the Earth is flat is either true or untrue, depending on scientific evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Admissions produced by these tactics may be true or untrue.

The New York Times

It is also clear that – whether true or untrue – accusations made of Alec cost members".

The Guardian

Or does all non-fiction occupy a morally dubious hinterland where what's written isn't necessarily all true or untrue?

The Guardian - Books

"Until we get it set, you're always in this period when you hear rumors and things come out, true or untrue, and you just deal with it".

The New York Times - Sports

It might be the evidence, it might be an overwhelming need or desire to believe that something is true – or untrue.

The Guardian - Music

There is very little information, true or untrue, about me on the web because I give so many evasive non-answers – like some of these.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

The adult population is much more worried about legal stuff; about Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder; about true stories or untrue stories.

BMC Health Services Research

"From the same opinion proceeds the doctrine of Protagoras, and both doctrines must be alike true or alike untrue.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Responses to 10 statements are provided on a rating scale with response options 1 =  Absolutely Untrue, 2 =  Mostly Untrue, 3 =  Somewhat Untrue, 4 =  Can't Say True or False, 5 =  Somewhat True, 6 =  Mostly True, and 7 =  Absolutely True.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

They are neither true nor untrue, they are simply our interpretation of what we notice.

Huffington Post

According to the TV it was real and "reality" shows ran with this neither true, nor untrue mindfuck to score huge audiences.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "true or untrue" when you want to emphasize the binary nature of a statement's validity, acknowledging both possibilities explicitly.

Common error

Avoid using "true or untrue" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise terms like "valid or invalid" or "accurate or inaccurate" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "true or untrue" functions as a compound adjective used to describe a statement, claim, or piece of information. It presents a binary choice, indicating that something is either valid or invalid, accurate or inaccurate. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in evaluating the veracity of assertions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "true or untrue" is a grammatically correct expression used to present a binary choice regarding the validity of a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English and serves to indicate that something is either accurate or inaccurate. While the phrase is not as common as "true or false", it remains a valid option, particularly in general discussions. In more formal settings, alternatives such as "valid or invalid" or "accurate or inaccurate" may be more appropriate. The phrase's usage is most frequent in news and media, science, and academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Correct or incorrect

Replaces "true" and "untrue" with more general terms for accuracy.

Accurate or inaccurate

Focuses on precision and factual correctness rather than abstract truth.

Valid or invalid

Emphasizes logical soundness and adherence to established principles.

Factual or fictional

Highlights the distinction between reality and imagination.

Real or imagined

Contrasts tangible existence with mental constructs.

Authentic or spurious

Underscores the genuineness and legitimacy of something.

Verified or unverified

Specifies whether information has been confirmed through evidence.

Substantiated or unsubstantiated

Indicates if a claim is supported by evidence or remains unproven.

Established or unproven

Focuses on whether a fact has been accepted as true or remains a hypothesis.

Confirmed or denied

Highlights the act of affirmation or rejection of a statement.

FAQs

How can I use "true or untrue" in a sentence?

You can use "true or untrue" when discussing the validity or accuracy of a statement, such as "The claim that the Earth is flat is either "true or untrue", depending on scientific evidence."

What's the difference between "true or untrue" and "true or false"?

While both phrases express a binary choice between truth and falsehood, "true or false" is more commonly used, particularly in tests and questionnaires. "True or untrue" can be used more broadly in general discussions.

Are there more formal alternatives to "true or untrue"?

Yes, in formal contexts, you might prefer phrases like "valid or invalid", "accurate or inaccurate", or "factual or fictional" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "true or untrue" grammatically correct?

Yes, "true or untrue" is grammatically correct and understandable. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.