Frankly speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Frankly speaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express honesty or directness in your opinion or statement. Example: "Frankly speaking, I don't think this plan will work as intended."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Frankly speaking, I don't care," he says.

The Guardian

Frankly speaking, I'm not enjoying politics at all.

The New Yorker

"Frankly speaking," he added, "it's a huge challenge.

The New York Times - Arts

"Frankly speaking, it's an adventure," Mr. Mahdi said later.

The New York Times

"Frankly speaking, I would like to start a revolt.

The New York Times

"Frankly speaking, I couldn't care less," he says.

The Guardian - Film

Frankly speaking, this does not constitute a viable "breakout" capability.

The Guardian - Opinion

Frankly speaking, we need strong political leadership to do it and get it behind us.

The New York Times

Frankly speaking, they just wanted people around the world see Thailand in a good light".

The New York Times

"Frankly speaking, starting from underwear is going to be a little more difficult.

The New York Times

Frankly speaking, I'd be surprised if the prices stay in this territory for very long.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context before using "Frankly speaking". In some situations, it might be perceived as too blunt or aggressive.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple sentences in a short span with "Frankly speaking". It can make your writing sound repetitive and insincere. Vary your phrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Frankly speaking" is to serve as an introductory adverbial phrase. It modifies the entire sentence that follows, indicating the speaker's intention to be direct and honest. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is used to preface a candid opinion or assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Frankly speaking" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to introduce direct and honest statements. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's most common in news and media, but also appears in scientific and formal contexts. While it's generally acceptable, consider your audience and context to avoid being perceived as overly blunt. Remember to vary your phrasing to prevent repetition. You can consider to use alternatives such as "to be frank" or "to be honest".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To be frank

A more concise way to express honesty.

To be honest

Indicates sincerity in the following statement.

Truthfully

Emphasizes the veracity of the statement.

Honestly

Similar to 'truthfully' but can also imply surprise.

In all honesty

Adds a degree of emphasis to the honesty being conveyed.

Candidly

Highlights the openness and directness of the statement.

In my honest opinion

Specifies that the statement is a personal belief.

If I'm being honest

Acknowledges potential discomfort or vulnerability in the statement.

Let's be honest

Invites the listener to acknowledge an uncomfortable truth.

Putting it bluntly

Emphasizes the direct and possibly harsh nature of the statement.

FAQs

How can I use "Frankly speaking" in a sentence?

"Frankly speaking" is typically used at the beginning of a sentence to preface a direct or honest opinion. For example, "Frankly speaking, I don't think that's a good idea."

What are some alternatives to "Frankly speaking"?

You can use alternatives like "to be frank", "to be honest", or "truthfully" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "Frankly speaking"?

While "Frankly speaking" can be useful for direct communication, consider your audience and the situation. It may not be appropriate in highly formal or sensitive contexts. Consider using a milder alternative like "in my opinion".

What is the difference between "Frankly speaking" and "Honestly speaking"?

The phrases "Frankly speaking" and "Honestly speaking" are very similar and often interchangeable. However, "Frankly speaking" might suggest a bit more bluntness or directness than "Honestly speaking".