ugly truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ugly truth" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a harsh or unpleasant reality that is difficult to accept or confront. Example: "The politician finally admitted the ugly truth that his campaign promises were empty and he had no intention of fulfilling them." In this example, the phrase "ugly truth" is used to convey the idea that the reality of the situation is unpleasant and disappointing.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pretty lies or ugly truth.

The New York Times - Arts

This is the ugly truth.

The Guardian - Opinion

And it's an ugly truth".

The Guardian - Books

(He was also in "The Ugly Truth").

The New Yorker

Extinction: can't people face the ugly truth?

The Times

No amount of ugly truth scares me.

The New York Times

An ugly truth perhaps presents itself.

The Guardian - Film

THE UGLY TRUTH Opens on Friday nationwide.

The New York Times

Death fed the glamour: an ugly truth.

The Guardian - Books

But this apparent serenity belies an ugly truth.

The Guardian

Was the ugly truth stunning them into silence?

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ugly truth" when you want to emphasize the unpleasantness and difficulty of accepting a particular reality. Ensure that the context warrants the strong negative connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "ugly truth" when a milder phrase like "unpleasant fact" or "difficult reality" would suffice. Overusing strong language can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ugly truth" functions as a noun phrase, where "ugly" is an adjective modifying the noun "truth". Ludwig AI confirms it is used to describe a particularly unpleasant or difficult reality. It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, conveying the core issue at hand.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ugly truth" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a harsh or unpleasant reality. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in various contexts. With a neutral register, it's frequently found in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific discussions. The phrase is best used when emphasizing the difficulty and unpleasantness of a given truth. Related phrases include "unpleasant reality" and "difficult truth", each offering subtle variations in tone. While "ugly truth" is powerful, avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian consistently employ the phrase, solidifying its place in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard truth

Highlights the difficulty in accepting the truth, similar in intensity, though less emotionally charged than "ugly truth".

brutal reality

Emphasizes the cruelty and harshness of the reality, increasing the intensity compared to "ugly truth".

disturbing reality

Emphasizes the unsettling nature of the reality, focusing on the anxiety and worry it provokes.

unpleasant reality

Focuses on the disagreeable nature of the reality, softening the emotional impact compared to "ugly truth".

uncomfortable reality

Highlights the unease and distress caused by the reality, softening the negative connotation of "ugly".

harsh fact

Emphasizes the severity and undeniable nature of the fact, omitting the emotional connotation of "ugly".

difficult truth

Focuses on the struggle to accept the truth, downplaying the emotional impact compared to "ugly truth".

bitter pill

Uses a metaphor to describe something difficult but necessary to accept, highlighting the unpleasantness.

sobering fact

Implies a serious and thoughtful consideration of the fact, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

inconvenient fact

Suggests a truth that is troublesome or awkward, focusing on the disruption it causes rather than its inherent unpleasantness.

FAQs

How can I use "ugly truth" in a sentence?

Use "ugly truth" to highlight a harsh or unpleasant reality that is difficult to accept. For example: "The "hard truth" is that the company is facing bankruptcy."

What phrases are similar to "ugly truth"?

Alternatives include phrases like "unpleasant reality", "harsh fact", or "difficult truth", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "ugly truth" in writing?

While grammatically correct, "ugly truth" carries a strong negative connotation. Use it judiciously in situations where the unpleasantness of the truth needs to be emphasized. Consider milder alternatives like "inconvenient fact" in less severe contexts.

What's the difference between "ugly truth" and "brutal reality"?

"Ugly truth" suggests an unpleasant fact that is difficult to confront. "Brutal reality" implies a more severe and harsh truth, often involving pain or suffering. The choice depends on the intensity of the situation.