truism

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "truism" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an obvious truth or fact. For example: "It is a truism that a good education is invaluable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In Turkey, the even more depressing truism is that much of the bad news has to do with the news industry itself.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's an internet truism to distrust any pronouncement made with the caps lock key engaged, so maybe I'm not supposed to take the headlines on The Blaze, Glenn Beck's contribution to the growing field of self-identified conservative news aggregators, seriously.

The Guardian - Opinion

For most of my life the truism has seemed precisely that: so uncontroversial as to be a cliche.

The Guardian - Opinion

But in certain cases, it's an economic truism that a social planner can produce better outcomes than the market.

The Economist

In 1965 he pointed out that family breakdown was contributing to the perpetuation of black poverty in the United States, an argument that was then denounced as heresy but is now treated as a truism.

The Economist

Since every challenge to a law under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) must be analysed in terms of the compelling governmental interest it purports to serve, and the question of whether it is the least restrictive means to serving it, it is a truism that no one could foretell the outcome of a particular religious objection to a rule.

The Economist

But it is a truism of economics that a country cannot control both its exchange rate and its interest rate simultaneously.

The Economist

(This may seem a truism but the rate of return on capital ought to fall too, as growth slows. Look at current returns on cash and government bonds.

The Economist

It has long been a truism of European politics that, when the commission gets into a fight with national governments, it is the commission that comes off worse.

The Economist

But  Mr Yglesias notes that this statement is no longer a truism.

The Economist

But in fact, it's a truism of political science that the poor and downtrodden are rarely capable of effective protest or mobilisation.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "truism" to introduce a statement widely accepted as true, but consider whether it adds value to your argument or if it's merely stating the obvious. Enhance its impact by providing context or a fresh perspective on the "truism".

Common error

Avoid using "truism" to simply introduce a statement that is already well-understood by your audience without offering additional analysis or context. This can make your writing seem redundant and lacking in original thought.

Linguistic Context

The word "truism" functions primarily as a noun. It is used to identify a statement that is self-evidently true or widely accepted. Ludwig provides examples where "truism" introduces an observation considered basic or fundamental.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "truism" is a noun denoting a self-evident or obvious truth. According to Ludwig AI, the term is grammatically correct and frequently used in written English, especially in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While it's useful for establishing common ground, overuse without adding original insight should be avoided. Alternatives include "platitude" or "self-evident truth", each carrying subtle differences in connotation. The key is to employ "truism" thoughtfully, ensuring it enhances rather than detracts from your writing's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-evident truth

Focuses on the characteristic of being obvious without needing proof, rather than the potential for being a cliché.

obvious statement

Highlights the clarity and lack of complexity in the assertion.

platitude

Emphasizes the banality and overuse of the statement, often lacking originality.

cliché

Focuses on the overused and predictable nature of the expression.

banality

Stresses the lack of originality and the commonplace nature of the idea.

commonplace remark

Highlights the ordinary and unremarkable quality of the statement.

accepted wisdom

Emphasizes the widespread belief and general agreement surrounding the idea.

axiomatic principle

Highlights the foundational and unquestionable nature of the statement, especially in logical or mathematical contexts.

well-known fact

Focuses on the widespread knowledge and familiarity with the information.

undisputed truth

Emphasizes the lack of disagreement or challenge to the statement.

FAQs

How can I effectively use the word "truism" in a sentence?

Use "truism" to introduce a statement that is widely accepted as true. For example, "It is a "truism" that hard work leads to success", but always provide context to avoid stating the obvious.

What are some alternatives to the word "truism"?

You can use alternatives like "platitude", "cliche", "self-evident truth", or "obvious statement" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "truism" in formal writing?

Yes, "truism" is appropriate in formal writing when introducing a statement that is generally accepted as true. However, ensure it adds value and isn't just stating the obvious.

What's the difference between a "truism" and a fact?

A ""truism"" is a statement that is so obviously true and well-known that it's almost banal, whereas a fact is a verifiable piece of information that may or may not be widely known or accepted.