a candid answer

USAGE SUMMARY

"a candid answer" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a response or reply that is honest, open, and sincere. Example: When asked about her opinion on the new company policy, she gave a candid answer, expressing her concerns and suggestions for improvement.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In the end, though, Mr. Stewart gave a candid answer.

The New York Times

My caveat for any recipe is: "Is this the most delicious version of this you've ever eaten?" And I can rely on Em for a candid answer.

The Guardian

The New Yorker, June 8 , 1929P. 11 Lady trying on a hat in Lord and Taylor's asks a stranger's opinion and gets a candid answer.

The New Yorker

"Why put on a shift," he asked before the game, "if you're not going to pitch to him?" "You don't," Houston Manager Larry Dierker said, acknowledging it as a fair question, then providing a candid answer.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I asked Tan about the commercial constraints on his work, and he gave a very candid answer: "It is inescapable.

The New York Times - Magazine

Perhaps a more candid answer from the chaps at Golf Digest would have been something along the lines that all they are doing is trying to sell magazines.

The Guardian - Sport

That is a more candid answer than we are usually treated to by executives.

TechCrunch

But perhaps the most candid answer came from a spokesman for the company that manages the private part of the block, Warwick Estates.

The Guardian - Opinion

Pascal's candid answer should be a wake-up call for all working women.

Huffington Post

Calzaghe provided a candid enough answer early in this decade when he was asked if he resented the decision of men like Jones and Hopkins to get into the ring only with handpicked opponents.

Independent

Although North Korea's motivations for its actions are often opaque, Mr. Sin gave one remarkably candid answer when asked about the potential fallout from Security Council condemnation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a candid answer" when you want to emphasize the honesty, directness, and lack of reservation in a response. It's particularly effective when the question requires a sensitive or potentially controversial reply.

Common error

Avoid using "candid" when a more polite or diplomatic response is needed. While honesty is valued, tact and sensitivity are also important, especially in professional or delicate social situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a candid answer" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., "give a candid answer") or as a complement. It describes the nature or quality of the answer provided. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a response that is honest, open, and sincere.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a candid answer" describes a response characterized by honesty, directness, and a lack of reservation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English. While not extremely common, its usage is appropriate across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, as well as Academia. When using this phrase, remember that, while honesty is valued, it should be balanced with tact and diplomacy, depending on the situation. Alternatives such as "an honest response" or "a straightforward reply" may be more suitable in certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an honest response

Replaces "candid" with "honest", maintaining the emphasis on truthfulness but with a slightly different nuance.

a straightforward reply

Substitutes "candid" with "straightforward", highlighting the direct and uncomplicated nature of the answer.

a frank response

Uses "frank" instead of "candid", stressing the openness and sincerity of the answer.

a truthful answer

Replaces "candid" with "truthful", emphasizing the veracity of the response.

a direct answer

Focuses on the lack of ambiguity or evasion in the response, using "direct" as a substitute for "candid".

an open response

Highlights the willingness to share information freely and without reservation.

an unreserved reply

Emphasizes the absence of hesitation or constraint in the response.

a sincere answer

Focuses on the genuineness and heartfelt nature of the response.

a plain answer

Highlights simplicity and directness in an answer without attempts at deception.

an undisguised response

Focuses on the lack of attempts to conceal or hide something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a candid answer" to describe someone's honest and straightforward response. For example: "She provided "a candid answer" to the interviewer's probing questions."

What's a good alternative to "a candid answer"?

Alternatives include "an honest response", "a straightforward reply", or "a frank response", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a candid answer" formal or informal?

"A candid answer" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as it simply describes the nature of the response. However, the appropriateness depends on the overall tone and relationship between the speakers.

When is it best to avoid giving "a candid answer"?

It's best to avoid giving "a candid answer" when the truth might be harmful, unnecessarily blunt, or when diplomacy and tact are more important than complete honesty. Consider the potential impact of your words before responding.