a frank answer

USAGE SUMMARY

"a frank answer" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an honest or direct response to a question. For example: "After asking their boss why their salary wasn't being increased, they received a frank answer: 'We simply don't have the budget to do that right now.'".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Often a counselor has a relationship with the college admission staff and can get a frank answer about whether there is any point in pursuing a spot.

The New York Times

Trying to get a handle on how the upheaval in his life has affected his game is certainly fair, more germane to the conversation, and the A.P. reported that Woods responded to that line of questioning with a frank answer.

The New York Times

News International might argue that she deserves credit for a frank answer, if only it hadn't immediately gone into damage-limitation mode, with Mr Coulson leading the way in trying to brush over his colleague's tracks.

Independent

It was the raw early days of the coalition, and one of David Cameron's lieutenants was giving a frank answer to my blunt question: what would it take for the government to pull back on its planned cuts?

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But when I pressed further, I received a franker answer: 'That's what we have to figure out.' The leadership urges patience, saying that the negotiation position will be 'described in greater detail come the manifesto'.

The Guardian

As a veteran of the Bosnian army who escaped death only by scrambling through the hillsides, with four companions, for a terrifying week, Mayor Malkic gives a disarmingly frank answer to these dilemmas.

The Economist

In response to a "birther" comment earlier this month, Rep. Blake Farenthold of Texas said the following: "A question I get a lot, 'If everybody is so unhappy with the president, why don't you impeach him?' I'll give you a real frank answer about that, if were to impeach the president tomorrow, we would probably get the votes in the House of Representatives to do it".

The New York Times

"I'll give you a real frank answer about that: If we were to impeach the president tomorrow, you could probably get the votes in the House of Representatives to do it.

HuffPost

She has to give an honest and frank answer as to why a politician who's spent her career speaking up boldly for the less well-off should take a decision like this knowing she would face such a huge and career-threatening backlash.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I gave a pretty clear and frank answer to a clear and frank question, and I don't regret that at all," Cameron said.

The Guardian

Responding to Robert Jay QC, Myler said: "I had no reason not to give them a full and frank answer.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a frank answer" when you want to convey honesty and directness, especially in situations where clarity is important and diplomacy is secondary.

Common error

While "a frank answer" implies honesty, ensure it doesn't come across as insensitive or rude. Consider the audience and context to balance directness with empathy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a frank answer" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object of a verb, describing the type of response given. Ludwig's examples illustrate this usage in various contexts, from college admissions to political commentary.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12.5%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

12.5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a frank answer" signifies an honest and direct response, prioritizing truthfulness and clarity. While it's grammatically correct and finds use in various contexts, mainly in news and media, its frequency is uncommon. According to Ludwig AI, it is advisable to balance this directness with empathy, avoiding insensitivity. Alternatives like "a candid response" or "a straightforward reply" offer nuanced ways to convey a similar meaning. Remember, as Ludwig's examples show, context is key in choosing the most appropriate expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a candid response

This alternative emphasizes honesty and openness, similar to "frank".

a straightforward reply

This alternative focuses on clarity and directness, minimizing ambiguity.

an honest response

This alternative highlights the truthfulness of the answer.

a direct reply

This alternative stresses the lack of hesitation or evasion.

a truthful answer

Focuses specifically on the veracity of the answer.

a plain answer

Implies simplicity and lack of embellishment in the response.

a sincere response

Emphasizes the genuineness and heartfelt nature of the answer.

an open answer

Suggests a willingness to share information without reservation.

a clear answer

Highlights the understandability and lack of confusion in the response.

a blunt response

This alternative suggests directness that may be perceived as harsh.

FAQs

How to use "a frank answer" in a sentence?

You can use "a frank answer" to describe someone giving a direct and honest response, like: "The politician gave "a frank answer" about the controversial policy".

What can I say instead of "a frank 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.

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

"A frank answer" is correct. The indefinite article "a" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound, while "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

What's the difference between "a frank answer" and "a polite answer"?

"A frank answer" emphasizes honesty and directness, potentially at the expense of tact, while "a polite answer" prioritizes courtesy and may involve some level of indirectness or omission of uncomfortable truths.