I will be blunt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I will be blunt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that you are going to speak frankly or directly, often about a sensitive topic. Example: "I will be blunt; your performance has not met our expectations this quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I will be blunt.

The New York Times

"I will be blunt," she said.

The New York Times

William Cember Age: 18 Attending: Harvard University I will be blunt: no advice will be given in this speech.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I might just be a freshmen senator, but I'll be blunt," Mr. Manchin said in floor remarks.

The New York Times

"I need an assistant who will be -- and I don't mean to insult you, but I'll be blunt -- wallpaper," she is told.

The New York Times - Books

I'll be blunt; I'm here to vent my fury.

TechCrunch

I'll be blunt: The long-term monetary/inflationary outlook for the U.S. scares the dickens out of me!

Forbes

And rather than risk sounding like I'm writing some kind of self-parody, I'll be blunt about it: they're basically Pied Piper from HBO's Silicon Valley, only with a few decades more experience and technology that's way farther along.

TechCrunch

I'll be blunt: Right off the bat, this thing was not particularly precise.

Vice

I'll be blunt here -- Kevin Smith has lost members of this family due to obesity and diabetes.

Huffington Post

I'll be blunt: Sex without self-awareness, trust, respect, honesty, consent, sobriety, safety and commitment isn't good.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I will be blunt" when you need to deliver a potentially unwelcome truth or express a direct opinion without softening the message.

Common error

Avoid starting every difficult conversation with "I will be blunt". Overuse can diminish the impact and make you appear unnecessarily harsh.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I will be blunt" serves as a performative utterance, signaling the speaker's intention to communicate directly and without softening the message. Ludwig shows its use in diverse contexts, primarily to introduce potentially difficult or critical information.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I will be blunt" is a phrase used to introduce a direct and potentially unwelcome statement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and typically employed in news and media contexts to signal forthcoming candor. While useful for clarity, it's important to use this phrase judiciously, considering the potential for offense. Alternatives like "let me be frank" or "to be honest" may be more appropriate depending on the situation. Being mindful of overuse can also help maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Let me be frank

Subtle change in phrasing, emphasizing the speaker's intention to be honest.

To be honest

Directly indicates honesty, less assertive than the original phrase.

Frankly speaking

Emphasizes the manner of speaking, highlighting openness.

To put it bluntly

Focuses on the directness and potential harshness of the statement.

In all honesty

Highlights the sincerity of the speaker.

If I'm being honest

Indicates a personal assessment or admission.

To be upfront

Emphasizes openness and transparency from the beginning.

Let's be clear

Sets the stage for a clear and unambiguous statement.

Without mincing words

Highlights the intention to avoid indirect language or euphemisms.

I'll be straight with you

Signals direct and honest communication, often in a personal context.

FAQs

What does "I will be blunt" mean?

The phrase "I will be blunt" means that the speaker intends to be very direct, perhaps even to the point of being perceived as rude or insensitive. It's used to preface a statement of honesty, even if it's an uncomfortable truth.

When is it appropriate to use "I will be blunt"?

Use "I will be blunt" when you need to deliver difficult feedback or express a strong opinion directly. However, consider the audience and context to ensure it doesn't cause unnecessary offense. Consider using alternatives like "let me be frank" or "to be honest" if a softer approach is needed.

What are some alternative ways to say "I will be blunt"?

Alternatives include "let me be frank", "to be honest", "frankly speaking", or "to put it bluntly". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of directness you want to convey.

Is "I will be blunt" considered rude?

It can be perceived as rude depending on the context and delivery. The phrase signals that you're about to say something potentially harsh, so it's important to use it judiciously and with consideration for the other person's feelings. Softening the introduction with phrases like "with all due respect" may help.