The Correct Phrases for Encouraging Truthfulness: 'Try to Tell the Truth' vs. 'Try to Be Truthful'

Which is Correct:

When it comes to encouraging truthfulness, the phrases 'try to tell the truth' and 'try to be truthful' are both good options, but there are nuances and contextual factors to consider.

'Try to tell the truth' is more commonly used and considered part of “everyday English.” It aligns with the colloquial understanding of truthfulness and the act of speaking the truth. However, adding the adverb 'always' can make the statement more powerful and clear, as in 'try to tell the truth always'. This phrase suggests a continuous effort to be truthful, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness in all situations. The placement of 'always' can modify either the verb 'tell' or the infinitive phrase 'to tell', with the split infinitive version being preferable in some contexts.

Connotation and Idiomatic Usage

Idiomatic Usage:
'Tell the truth' is an established idiom that evokes the act of conveying truth to a listener, whereas 'say' has a broader meaning that can imply expression in both words and deeds. In the context of encouraging honesty, 'tell' is considered more natural and direct. If you use 'say', it might come across as insincere or narrowly focused on words rather than actions.

Usage Examples:
- "He only says he tells the truth but he often tells lies." - This sentence highlights the difference between mere words and true honesty.
- "Tell the truth always." - This emphasizes a continuous effort to be truthful.

Contextual Considerations

Emphasis: Depending on the emphasis you want to place, you can position the adverb 'always' in different ways:

1. Emphasizing the Verb: "Always try to tell the truth." - This emphasizes the continuous effort to be truthful in every situation. 2. Emphasizing the Infinitive Phrase: "Try always to tell the truth." - This can be seen as less common and might make the adverb's role ambiguous. 3. Embracing Complex Situations: “Certainly, there are times when honesty is the best policy, and the best policy is to keep your mouth shut or lie through your teeth.” - This highlights that truthfulness is not always straightforward and can be compromised in certain contexts.

Technical Correctness and Natural Flow

Techincal Correctness: Both phrases are technically correct, but the choice between them can influence the natural flow and emphasis of the statement. 'Tell the truth' is more natural and idiomatic, while 'try to be truthful' is less common and can sometimes seem awkward in casual conversation.

Encouragement vs. Command

Nature of Encouragement: When someone says “Try to tell the truth”, it can be interpreted as encouragement to discern what is true and act accordingly. This might not necessarily involve speaking but can include the desire to understand the truth, be it by listening or analyzing situations. The phrase “Be truthful” can be seen as a more direct command or condition, though it is less commonly used in everyday contexts compared to “tell the truth”.

In summary, 'try to tell the truth' is a more natural and commonly used phrase. Adding the adverb 'always' can emphasize the continuous effort required to maintain truthfulness. The proper placement of 'always' can also influence the emphasis of the statement, and understanding the nuanced differences between 'tell' and 'say' can help craft the most effective encouragement of truthfulness.