a blunt answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a blunt answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a straightforward or direct response, often lacking in tact or subtlety. Example: "When asked about his opinion on the matter, he gave a blunt answer that surprised everyone in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

What then Grover Norquist, a Republican who runs Americans for Tax Reform, has a blunt answer to the question: "Nothing".

The Economist

There was Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, who began his speech to a hometown crowd with a blunt answer to an often-asked question.

The New York Times

Black-outs have sometimes occurred simply because power has been choked off.Mr Davis has come up with a blunt answer: he wants the state to control the grid.

The Economist

Twice recently, individuals from widely different points on the Christian spectrum offered a blunt answer, identifying the perpetrators as "the Jews".

The New York Times

He got a blunt answer from Fred P. Lampropoulos, founder and chief of Merit Medical Systems Inc., a medical device manufacturer in the Salt Lake City area.

The New York Times

As for Verlaine, he gets a blunt answer to the mystery of Rimbaud's career change when he meets him for the last time, in Germany, 18 months after the shooting.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Ask them what the professor is looking for and they'll give you a good blunt answer.

WikiHow

But an E.P.A. spokeswoman in New York had a quick, and blunt, answer: Not a chance.

The New York Times

October 24, 2013 5.12pm BST A series of blunt answers to a blunt question: Did you deliver the product that you were contracted to build?

The Guardian

The unequal treatment aside, however, the government's blunt answer in court papers provides something of a reality check on Greenberg's demand for $40 billion in alleged damages.

Los Angeles Times

The blunt answer is that the European Union (EU) is something of an also-ran when it comes to innovation.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a blunt answer" when you want to emphasize the directness and lack of tact in a response. It is suitable when honesty is valued over diplomacy.

Common error

Avoid using "a blunt answer" in situations where sensitivity and diplomacy are required. Its directness can be perceived as rude or insensitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a blunt answer" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., 'gave a blunt answer', 'received a blunt answer'). Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, based on various reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a blunt answer" describes a direct and often tactless response. Ludwig's analysis, backed by numerous real-world examples, affirms its grammatical correctness and identifies its common usage in news and media. While effective for emphasizing honesty, using "a blunt answer" requires careful consideration of the context to avoid unintended offense. Alternative phrases like "a direct response" or "a straightforward reply" may be more appropriate in situations requiring diplomacy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a direct response

Emphasizes straightforwardness, removing the connotation of potential harshness.

a straightforward reply

Similar to "a direct response", focusing on clarity and honesty.

a candid answer

Highlights honesty and sincerity in the response.

a frank response

Conveys openness and honesty, potentially implying a lack of concern for diplomacy.

a plain answer

Suggests simplicity and lack of embellishment in the reply.

a point-blank answer

Stresses the direct and uncompromising nature of the response.

an unequivocal response

Highlights the clarity and lack of ambiguity in the answer.

a no-nonsense answer

Implies efficiency and a lack of patience for unnecessary details.

a forthright answer

Similar to "a frank response", suggesting honesty and directness.

a cut-and-dried answer

Suggests a clear, simple, and uncomplicated response.

FAQs

How can I use "a blunt answer" in a sentence?

You can use "a blunt answer" when someone responds directly and without trying to be polite or tactful. For example, "He gave "a blunt answer" when asked about his opinion of the project."

What does "a blunt answer" mean?

A "blunt answer" refers to a response that is direct and possibly rude or insensitive because it doesn't try to sugarcoat the truth.

Which is correct, "a blunt answer" or "an blunt answer"?

"A blunt answer" is correct. The indefinite article "a" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound.

What are some alternatives to "a blunt answer"?

Alternatives include "a direct response", "a straightforward reply", or "a candid answer", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.