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Prepositions with nouns

In truth or of truth?

Use in truth as a fixed expression meaning actually or in fact. Of truth is uncommon except inside larger phrases.

Quick answer

Which phrase is idiomatic?

In truth is a standard expression meaning really or actually. Of truth is not usually used as a fixed phrase, though of may appear in longer expressions such as the pursuit of truth.

In truth, nobody knew the answer.
She was, in truth, quite nervous.
The search for truth continued for years.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
in truth

Saying what is really the case

Use in truth to introduce a truthful or real situation.

In truth, the project was already failing.
2
the truth about + topic

Facts about something

Use truth about to identify the subject of the facts.

They finally learned the truth about the accident.
3
of truth

Part of a larger noun phrase

Of truth is possible only when of links another noun to truth.

The importance of truth is discussed in the essay.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
in truth
In truth, I expected a different result.
fixed expression meaning actually or really
of truth
The value of truth is hard to measure.
not a standalone idiom; of links two nouns
truth about
She told the truth about the incident.
facts concerning a topic
truth in
There is some truth in his argument.
validity within an idea or statement

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using of truth as a sentence adverb

Do not use of truth to mean actually or in fact.

✕ Of truth, he was tired. ✓ In truth, he was tired.

Missing article before truth

Use the truth when referring to specific facts.

✕ She told truth about the event. ✓ She told the truth about the event.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. ___, the team was not ready.
2. The idea ___ truth matters deeply to her.
3. There is some truth ___ what he said.

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Frequently asked questions

Is in truth formal?

Yes. It is slightly formal and similar to in fact or actually.

Can of truth ever be correct?

Yes, inside larger noun phrases such as the importance of truth.

What is a common alternative to in truth?

In fact and actually are common alternatives.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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