true story

USAGE SUMMARY

"true story" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to emphasize and validate a narrative or anecdote. For example, "I once saw a bear while on vacation in the woods - true story!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

True story?

The New York Times

Or a "true" story?

The New Yorker

A true story.

The New York Times

This is a true story.

Forbes

"True story," tweeted Solange.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

True story, Chris swore.

The New York Times - Travel

The Horrifying True Story.

The New York Times - Books

That's a true story.

The New Yorker

True story, this".

The New Yorker

(A true story, as it were).

The New Yorker

Every true story has an anticlimax.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "true story" to add credibility or emphasis to an anecdote, particularly in informal or conversational writing.

Common error

Avoid using "true story" excessively in formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports. Opt for more professional language to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "true story" primarily functions as an interjection or an adjectival phrase. It is used to emphasize the authenticity of a narrative or anecdote. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "true story" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the authenticity of a narrative. Ludwig confirms its correctness and widespread usage. While it's generally suitable for informal and neutral contexts, it should be used sparingly in formal writing. Remember that the best applications are those that enhance credibility or add a personal touch to a story. You can use related phrases such as "that's the truth" or "authentic tale" as stylistic alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's the truth

Emphasizes the veracity of a statement, framing it as a declaration of truthfulness.

I swear it's true

Adds a personal assurance of truthfulness using an oath or affirmation, increasing emphasis.

genuine account

Replaces 'true' with 'genuine', suggesting authenticity and sincerity, and 'story' with 'account', a more formal term.

factual narrative

Substitutes 'true' with 'factual', emphasizing that the story is based on facts, and 'story' with 'narrative', a more formal way of expressing a story.

authentic tale

Replaces 'true' with 'authentic' emphasizing genuineness, and 'story' with 'tale', which often refers to something that is known or told.

veritable account

Replaces 'true' with 'veritable' implying a high degree of truth and accuracy, and 'story' with 'account', a more formal term.

believe it or not

Introduces a statement that might seem unbelievable, yet it's claimed as true.

a real thing

Simplifies the phrase to express that something actually happened or is not made up, using more informal language.

in reality

Focuses on the actuality of events rather than narrating them, serving as an adverbial phrase.

honestly

This is a common adverb that modifies the whole sentence to say something is true.

FAQs

How can I use "true story" in a sentence?

You can use "true story" to emphasize the veracity of an anecdote, often placed at the end for dramatic effect. For instance, "I met a celebrity at the grocery store – "true story"!"

What are some alternatives to using "true story"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "that's the truth", "a real thing", or "factual narrative" to convey the same meaning.

Is "true story" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "true story" is generally considered informal. In formal contexts, opt for more professional language such as "veritable account" or "genuine account".

What does it mean when someone says "true story"?

Saying "true story" is a way to affirm the authenticity of a narrative, assuring the listener or reader that the events described actually happened.