Let me be frank

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Let me be frank" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express your thoughts or opinions honestly and directly, often in a candid or straightforward manner. Example: "Let me be frank, I don't think this plan will work as intended."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

"Let me be frank," he said.

The New Yorker

Let me be frank about this: I find the success of these books totally perplexing.

Independent

Let me be frank: Yes, we are waiting to be liberated.

The New Yorker

Let Me Be Frank with You is published by Bloomsbury (£18.99).

The Guardian - Books

"Let me be frank about the challenge our campaign faces right now," Mr. Clinton wrote.

The New York Times

"Let me be frank, I do believe it is possible to return powers from Brussels to Britain.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

"Let me be absolutely frank.

The Guardian

"Let me be very frank that this is unacceptable to India," he said.

The New York Times

"Let me be brutally frank," the dean said in his square-shouldered voice.

The New Yorker

The driver also uses such expressions as "Let me make this perfectly clear" and "Let me be extremely frank".

The New Yorker

Our appeal is becoming more selective in print, and let me be really frank and lay my cards on the table: I think print will die.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Let me be frank" when you want to clearly signal that you are about to express a direct or potentially unpopular opinion.

Common error

Avoid using "Let me be frank" excessively, as it can make your communication seem unnecessarily aggressive or insincere. Use it sparingly for emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Let me be frank" functions as a discourse marker, signaling the speaker's intention to express their opinion or thought directly and honestly. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showcasing its role in introducing candid statements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Let me be frank" is a phrase used to introduce a direct and honest statement. Ludwig AI analysis reveals that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in news and media. While effective for emphasizing a point, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly aggressive. Alternatives like "to be honest" or "frankly speaking" can offer a milder approach. When using this phrase, it is important to consider the context, as well as your audience. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatility but also highlight the importance of using it appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Frankly speaking

Similar in directness, but slightly more detached.

To be honest

More general and less assertive than "Let me be frank".

To be candid

Emphasizes sincerity and openness.

In all honesty

Highlights the speaker's sincerity.

Let's be honest

Invites agreement or shared understanding.

If I'm being honest

Introduces a potentially unpopular opinion.

To tell you the truth

Signals a revelation or admission.

To put it bluntly

Emphasizes the directness and potential harshness of the statement.

In my honest opinion

Explicitly states that the following is the speaker's viewpoint.

If I may be so bold

Acknowledges potential audacity in the upcoming statement.

FAQs

How can I use "Let me be frank" in a sentence?

"Let me be frank" is typically used at the beginning of a sentence to preface a direct or potentially critical statement. For example, "Let me be frank, I don't think this proposal is feasible."

What's a less direct alternative to "Let me be frank"?

If you want to be less assertive, you could use "to be honest" or "to be candid". These phrases still indicate honesty but are less forceful.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "Let me be frank"?

Using "Let me be frank" might be inappropriate in very formal settings or when addressing someone of significantly higher authority, as it can come across as too direct. Consider the context and your relationship with the other person.

What's the difference between "Let me be frank" and "frankly speaking"?

"Let me be frank" is a more personal introduction to a frank statement, while "frankly speaking" is a more detached adverbial phrase indicating the manner of speech. Both are similar in meaning but have slightly different connotations.