"he always tells lies" vs "he always tells a lie"

Question

"he always tells lies" vs "he always tells a lie"

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. 'He always tells lies' implies that the person frequently tells multiple lies, while 'He always tells a lie' suggests that the person consistently tells a single lie. The choice between the two depends on whether you want to emphasize the frequency of lying or the consistency of a particular lie.

Last Updated: March 11, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate that someone frequently tells multiple lies.

Examples:

I can't trust him, he always tells lies.
She is known for always telling lies to get out of trouble.

Alternatives:

he always tells falsehoods
he always lies

This phrase is used to indicate that someone consistently tells a single lie.

Examples:

He always tells a lie about his whereabouts.
She always tells a lie to avoid going to the party.

Alternatives:

he always tells a fib
he always tells an untruth

Answer 1

he always tells lies

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

he always tells a lie

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"he always tells lies" vs "he always tells a lie"

he always tells lies

he always tells a lie

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