a forthright answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a forthright answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are seeking a direct and honest response to a question or situation. Example: "I appreciate your forthright answer regarding the project's timeline; it helps us plan accordingly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Petraeus: "I would give a forthright answer: I cannot predict that!" There were small revealing moments.

The Guardian - Opinion

He had asked the President a serious question, and even though Danila might be a kid, he wanted a forthright answer.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was, in some ways, a jarringly forthright answer, one that illuminates the role that Sessions played in the drama surrounding Comey's dismissal an event that suggests, as strongly as anything could, the need for a special prosecutor.

The New Yorker

By offering a forthright response, Girardi made Rodriguez look discourteous.

The New York Times - Sports

What he'll have to do is come forward with an honest and forthright answer".

The New York Times

At her confirmation hearings, Judge Sotomayor joined a lamentable trend of Supreme Court nominees' avoiding forthright answers on important legal issues.

The New York Times

Prompted by a thoughtful and intrepid interlocutor, Heaney came up with extraordinarily lucid, compelling and forthright answers to questions about his life and times, attitudes and angles of vision.

Independent

He won hearts in India with his forthright answers to college students and awkward dance moves with disadvantaged children, and in Indonesia, where his personal biography resonated.

The New York Times

To his credit, Bork gave honest and forthright answers to the questions posed by the senators on the Judiciary Committee, which was led admirably by then Senator Joseph Biden.

The New Yorker

Deborah L. Cabaniss New York, May 11 , 2010To the Editor: Linda Greenhouse has a valid point in wanting Elena Kagan to answer questions in a forthright manner so that we can get a sense of her thought processes ("Just Answer the Question," Op-Ed, May 11).

The New York Times

The Telephone Company's effort to get subscribers to answer the phone with a forthright declaration of their names instead of the unilluminating and time-consuming "Hello" has, we are advised, already transcended its intended sphere.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking clarity and directness in communication, using "a forthright answer" is appropriate. Ensure the context aligns with the need for honesty and transparency.

Common error

While "forthright" implies honesty, overuse in casual conversation can sound overly formal or blunt. Opt for simpler terms like "direct" or "honest" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a forthright answer" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., 'to give', 'to expect', 'to demand'). It describes the type of response given, emphasizing its direct and honest qualities. Ludwig confirms this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a forthright answer" is a noun phrase signifying a direct and honest response. Ludwig's analysis indicates it is grammatically correct, although relatively rare in usage. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts where clarity and transparency are valued. While "forthright" implies honesty, be mindful of the context to avoid sounding overly formal. Alternatives such as "a candid response" or "a straightforward reply" may be more suitable depending on the specific nuance needed. This phrase should be used when you seek an unambiguous and honest answer.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a candid response

Replaces 'forthright' with 'candid', emphasizing honesty and frankness.

a straightforward reply

Substitutes 'answer' with 'reply' and 'forthright' with 'straightforward', focusing on clarity and directness.

an honest response

Emphasizes the honesty aspect, replacing 'forthright' with 'honest'.

a direct answer

Focuses on the directness of the response, suitable when precision is key.

a frank reply

Uses 'frank' instead of 'forthright', highlighting openness and sincerity.

a plain answer

Replaces 'forthright' with 'plain', suggesting simplicity and lack of embellishment.

an unequivocal response

Indicates a clear and unambiguous reply, more formal than "a forthright answer".

a sincere answer

Highlights the genuine nature of the response, emphasizing truthfulness.

a truthful response

Focuses specifically on the accuracy of the answer.

an open answer

Highlights the transparent and unreserved nature of the response.

FAQs

What does "a forthright answer" mean?

A "forthright answer" means a direct, honest, and unambiguous response to a question or situation. It implies a lack of evasion and a commitment to truthfulness.

What can I say instead of "a forthright answer"?

You can use alternatives like "a candid response", "a straightforward reply", or "an honest response" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to give "a forthright answer" or to be diplomatic?

The best approach depends on the situation. "A forthright answer" is valuable when honesty and clarity are paramount. However, diplomacy may be necessary when dealing with sensitive topics or individuals to avoid causing offense.

When is it appropriate to expect "a forthright answer"?

It's appropriate to expect "a forthright answer" in situations where transparency and accountability are important, such as in professional settings, legal proceedings, or when seeking clarification on critical issues.