Definition true in British English

Ways of emphasizing that something is true

Actually/In actual fact

used for saying what is really true, when this is different from what people think

There’s no denying

used for saying that something is clearly true, even if you would prefer it not to be true

No doubt about it/There’s no two ways about it

used for saying that something is definitely true

The fact remains (that)/The fact is

used for saying that something is still true despite what people have said or done

Let’s face it/The truth is/There’s no escaping the fact that

used before saying something that people might not want to accept, although it is true

Believe (you) me

used for emphasizing that you are telling the truth, especially when you are warning someone about something

You’d better believe it

used when talking to someone you know well, for emphasizing that what you are saying is true and they should take it seriously

I promise (you)/Take my word for it

used for emphasizing that what you are saying is completely true, even if it seems hard to believe or accept

Examples:

People often think those two are sisters, but in actual fact, they’re not even related.

There’s no denying Anthony is the best person for the job.

There’s no two ways about it, the best team won. ♦ We’re going to need to borrow some money, no doubt about it.

You can plead with him all you like, but the fact remains, he’s gone and he’s never coming back. ♦ The fact is, she lied about her qualifications when she applied for the job.

Let’s face it, we’re getting too old for all these parties and concerts. ♦ The truth is, I just don’t love you any more. ♦ There’s no escaping the fact that your sister is prettier than you.

If you don’t study harder for your exams, you’re going to fail, believe you me. ♦ Believe me, there will be difficult times ahead if we don’t act now.

‘Are you really going to quit your job and sail round the world?’ ‘You’d better believe it!’

Take my word for it, you’re better off without him – he wasn’t good enough for you.

Ways of emphasizing that something is not true

Don’t you believe it

an informal way of emphasizing to someone that something is not true

Where did you get that idea?

an informal way of telling someone that what they think is definitely not true

Nothing could be further from the truth

used for emphasizing that something is definitely not true

There must be some mistake

used for saying that you think what someone has said is not true or that you are being wrongly accused of something

I wish/If only

an informal way of saying that something is not true, although you would be pleased if it were true

Examples:

‘I’m sure he’ll be here soon.’ ‘Don’t you believe it! He never had any intention of coming.’

‘I hear you’re moving to a new school.’ ‘Where did you get that idea?’

They think I’m rich and successful, but nothing could be further from the truth.

‘James won’t be at the meeting – he’s on holiday this week.’ ‘There must be some mistake, I saw him just a minute ago.’

‘Is it true you’re going out with Helen?’ ‘I wish!’