To put it bluntly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "To put it bluntly" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a statement that is straightforward or direct, often to emphasize honesty or clarity. Example: "To put it bluntly, the project was a failure and we need to reassess our approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To put it bluntly, no.

Independent

To put it bluntly".

The Guardian - Sport

To put it bluntly: It freaked out.

The New York Times - Tech

To put it bluntly, I'm a burglar".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

To put it bluntly, democracy here is a farce".

The New Yorker

To put it bluntly, litigation is a crapshoot.

The New York Times

To put it bluntly, that makes zero sense.

The Washington Post

To put it bluntly, they either lie or they lose.

The Guardian - Opinion

To put it bluntly, they are not acting like owners.

Harvard Business Review

To put it bluntly, we now need to reverse course.

The New York Times - Magazine

To put it bluntly then, India faces a simple choice.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "To put it bluntly" to introduce a statement that might be perceived as harsh or critical, ensuring the recipient understands your intention is clarity, not malice.

Common error

Avoid using "To put it bluntly" too frequently, as it can make your communication style seem aggressive or insensitive. Use it sparingly for maximum impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "To put it bluntly" functions as a discourse marker or an introductory phrase. It prepares the audience for a direct, potentially harsh, or unflattering statement. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples where it precedes a straightforward assessment or opinion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "To put it bluntly" is a very common introductory phrase used to preface a direct or potentially harsh statement. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and is used across various contexts, especially in news and media. While effective for clarity, it should be used sparingly to avoid sounding overly aggressive. Consider alternatives like "to be frank" or "frankly speaking" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Let me be blunt

A direct variation, explicitly announcing the speaker's intention to be blunt.

To be frank

Emphasizes honesty and directness but is slightly more formal.

To be honest

Similar to "to be frank", focusing on sincerity.

In all candor

Highlights the speaker's sincerity and openness.

Frankly speaking

Directly conveys a candid viewpoint.

To call a spade a spade

An idiomatic expression meaning to speak directly and honestly, even if unpleasant.

If I'm being honest

Introduces a statement that might be a difficult truth.

Let's be clear

Emphasizes the need for unambiguous communication.

To put it simply

Focuses on clarity and ease of understanding rather than bluntness.

In plain English

Stresses clarity and avoidance of jargon.

FAQs

How can I use "To put it bluntly" in a sentence?

"To put it bluntly" is an introductory phrase used to preface a direct or potentially harsh statement. For instance, "To put it bluntly, the company's performance has been declining."

What's the difference between "To put it bluntly" and "to be honest"?

"To put it bluntly" emphasizes directness, even if it's harsh, while ""to be honest"" focuses on sincerity and truthfulness. The former prepares the listener for potentially unpleasant news, whereas the latter emphasizes the speaker's integrity.

Which is correct, "To put it bluntly" or "to be blunt"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they function differently. "To put it bluntly" is an introductory phrase, while ""to be blunt"" is an infinitive phrase. You can use "To put it bluntly, the project failed" or "Let me "to be blunt": the project failed".

What can I say instead of "To put it bluntly"?

You can use alternatives like "frankly speaking", "to be frank", or "let's be clear" depending on the context.