I'll be frank

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I'll be frank" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used at the beginning of a sentence to indicate that the speaker is about to deliver an honest or blunt opinion. For example: "I'll be frank - I'm not a fan of this new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Well, I'll be frank.

The New Yorker

'I'll be frank,' she says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'll be frank, eventually I was too despairing to give a shit.

The Guardian

But "when you try to do any of these calculations beyond seven years, I'll be frank with you," said Michael Dusaniwskyj, an economist with the commission.

The New York Times

Referring to his entire career, Chow, an Asian-American, said: "Other times, and I'll be frank with you, I was used.

The New York Times - Sports

They were called If You're Glad I'll Be Frank and The Dissolution of Dominic Boot, and they revealed a whimsical absurdity and formal brilliance that were instantly striking.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"But I will be frank with you.

The New Yorker

He told regional governors that "I will be frank.

The Guardian - Business

Writing about those things — and I will be frank — turns me on.

The New Yorker

"I will be frank," said the spokesman, Abdel Moneim al-Hur, "He is not doing his job".

The New York Times

Using the language of defeat, he told a meeting of regional governors: "I will be frank.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I'll be frank" to signal a direct, potentially critical, but honest statement. It's most effective when you want to be clear and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Relying too heavily on "I'll be frank" can make your writing sound repetitive or insincere. Vary your approach by using synonyms or simply stating your opinion directly without preamble.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I'll be frank" functions as a discourse marker or pragmatic marker. It signals the speaker's intention to be direct and honest, often preceding a statement that might be critical or potentially face-threatening. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I'll be frank" is a common and acceptable way to preface an honest or direct statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, signaling a speaker's intention to be candid, even if the information might be critical. While generally appropriate, remember to consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing to ensure the phrase fits the context. Overusing "I'll be frank" can diminish its impact, so vary your approach by using synonyms like "to be honest" or "to be blunt" as appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be honest

Slightly more general; can apply to a specific statement or overall attitude.

to be blunt

Emphasizes a lack of tact or diplomacy in the delivery.

let me be honest

Adds a personal request for permission to be honest.

in all honesty

Highlights the sincerity and truthfulness of the statement.

if I'm honest

Introduces a degree of personal reflection or self-awareness.

to put it bluntly

Similar to "to be blunt", but emphasizes the directness of the phrasing.

in my honest opinion

Specifies that the following statement is a personal belief.

truthfully

A more concise and direct way to express honesty.

candidly

Highlights openness and sincerity in the delivery.

to tell you the truth

Implies a revelation or disclosure of something previously unsaid.

FAQs

What does "I'll be frank" mean?

The phrase "I'll be frank" is an idiom that means "I'm going to be honest with you, even if what I say might be unpleasant or critical".

How can I use "I'll be frank" in a sentence?

You can start a sentence with "I'll be frank" to preface a direct or potentially harsh opinion. For example, "I'll be frank – I don't think this plan will work".

Are there other ways to say "I'll be frank"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "to be honest", "to be blunt", or "let me be honest" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "I'll be frank" in formal writing?

While "I'll be frank" is generally acceptable, consider the formality of your writing. In highly formal contexts, a more professional phrase might be preferable. However, in many business and news contexts, it is perfectly appropriate.