truth be told

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "truth be told" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that what you are about to say is the honest truth. For example: Truth be told, I am not sure what the right answer is.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let the truth be told.

The New York Times

Truth be told, no.

The Washington Post

Truth be told, it wasn't bad.

The New York Times - Arts

Moose are, truth be told, Élites.

The New Yorker

Even before, if truth be told.

The New Yorker

He must let the truth be told.

Cornell University

I've gotten comfortable enough, truth be told.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Truth be told, they aren't so hot.

The New York Times

Truth be told, Ody didn't just die.

The New York Times

Truth be told, these borders are porous.

The Washington Post

But truth be told, we were lucky.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context before using "truth be told". It is suitable for most situations, but slightly informal so it might not be the best choice for highly formal or technical writing.

Common error

Avoid using "truth be told" in extremely formal contexts, such as academic papers or legal documents. While grammatically correct, it can be perceived as too casual, undermining the seriousness or objectivity of your writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "in reality" or "in fact" in these settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "truth be told" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifically a sentence adverb. It modifies the entire sentence, indicating the speaker's intention to reveal something candidly. Ludwig confirms the grammatical correctness and common usage of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "truth be told" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to introduce a candid or surprising revelation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, though it leans towards the informal side. While very common in "News & Media", use the phrase wisely to highlight key elements and avoid sounding repetitive. Consider alternatives like "to be honest" or "in reality" for different levels of formality, and be mindful of your audience to ensure the phrase's effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the honest truth is

Emphasizes the veracity and sincerity of the information being conveyed.

to be honest

A more concise and direct way of introducing a candid statement.

to tell you the truth

A common and informal way to preface a sincere statement.

in all honesty

This alternative replaces the more figurative "truth be told" with a direct statement of honesty.

the plain truth is

Highlights the simplicity and lack of embellishment in the statement to follow.

if I'm being honest

This alternative highlights the speaker's deliberate choice to be truthful.

frankly speaking

This phrase emphasizes the direct and possibly blunt nature of the statement to follow.

in actual fact

A more formal way to introduce a statement of reality, often used to correct a misunderstanding.

as a matter of fact

Similar to "in actual fact", this phrase introduces a statement that provides further detail or clarification.

in reality

This phrase introduces a statement that contrasts with a previous assumption or belief.

FAQs

How can I use "truth be told" in a sentence?

You can use "truth be told" to introduce a statement that reveals the actual or honest facts of a situation, often when it might be surprising or contrary to what is expected. For example: "Truth be told, I didn't even want to go to the party."

What are some phrases similar to "truth be told"?

Similar phrases include "to be honest", "frankly speaking", or "in all honesty". Each of these introduces a statement of candor.

Is "truth be told" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "truth be told" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use phrases like "in reality" or "in fact".

What's the difference between "truth be told" and "to be honest"?

Both phrases introduce a candid statement, but "truth be told" can sometimes imply a slightly more surprising or reluctant admission than "to be honest". The latter is more straightforward.