Without mincing words

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Without mincing words" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to express something directly and honestly, without softening the message. An example: "He spoke without mincing words about the challenges the team faced." Alternative expressions include "to speak frankly" and "to be blunt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Without mincing words, she told me that she'd been called overnight by the radiologist; the patient's head CT showed an intracranial bleed.

The New York Times

Without mincing words, Chomsky derided their work as empty posturing, juxtaposing their style and methods against the "empirically testable propositions" of more "serious" fields like the hard sciences.

The Guardian - Opinion

Without mincing words, Mr. Gore accused Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney of lying on a crucial justification for war, that Iraq had a role in planning the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

The New York Times

Without mincing words, she explained why she wasn't willing to instruct DOJ lawyers to defend the travel ban — a decision that ultimately got her fired.

Huffington Post

Without mincing words, he reminded us that thought and action are not opposites but can, in exceptional circumstances, combine and reinforce each other.

Huffington Post

Yusuf Abdallah Usman, director general of the commission, issued a statement saying "Without mincing words, these artworks are heirlooms of the great people of the Benin Kingdom and Nigeria generally.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Movie star Jackson has this earnest, honest way of getting to the heart of a matter, without mincing his words.

Huffington Post

It is notable then, when Obama makes time to directly address issues specific to African Americans and other minorities without mincing his words.

Los Angeles Times

Then comes the extensive -- and coarse -- collection of jokes about sex, race, and homophobia, without mincing any words and with the same crudeness one hears on the street.

Huffington Post

"Anglo-speaking Scrabblers were just mincing words.

The New Yorker

This time, Mr. Norquist and other conservatives are not mincing words.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ this phrase when you want to emphasize the importance of honesty and transparency in your communication, especially in situations where circumlocution could be misleading.

Common error

Avoid using "without mincing words" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound overly aggressive or confrontational. Reserve it for situations where directness is truly necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without mincing words" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It indicates the manner in which something is said, emphasizing directness and a lack of euphemism. Ludwig examples confirm this use, showcasing its role in setting the tone for a candid statement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "without mincing words" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to emphasize directness and clarity in communication. Ludwig's analysis, considering its infrequent use, indicates it's suitable for neutral and news-oriented contexts, signaling an intention to be forthright. While useful, overuse can lead to an overly aggressive tone. Consider alternatives like "frankly speaking" or "to put it bluntly" for varied expression. The phrase appears mainly in news and media, according to Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frankly speaking

Emphasizes honesty and openness, often used to introduce a sincere opinion or statement.

to put it bluntly

Highlights the directness and potential harshness of the statement.

to be perfectly honest

Stresses the speaker's sincerity and truthfulness.

in plain language

Focuses on clarity and simplicity, avoiding jargon or complex terms.

to call a spade a spade

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate direct and honest communication, even if potentially offensive.

in no uncertain terms

Stresses the clarity and decisiveness of the statement.

straight from the shoulder

Indicates a direct and forceful manner of speaking.

to be upfront about it

Emphasizes openness and honesty from the beginning.

point blank

Highlights the directness and abruptness of the communication.

in clear terms

Focuses on the lack of ambiguity and the ease of understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "without mincing words" in a sentence?

You can use "without mincing words" to preface a direct or potentially harsh statement. For example, "Without mincing words, I think your proposal is unrealistic."

What does "without mincing words" mean?

It means to speak directly and honestly, without trying to be polite or indirect.

Are there other ways to say "without mincing words"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "frankly speaking", "to put it bluntly", or "in plain language" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "without mincing words"?

It's appropriate when you need to be clear and direct, especially when delivering difficult or potentially controversial information. However, consider your audience and the potential impact of your words.