a frank response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a frank response" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that a reply is honest, straightforward, and without any pretense. Example: "I appreciate your willingness to give me a frank response regarding the project's challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

And when I asked him why the Democrats were folding, he gave a frank response.

Huffington Post

gave a frank response when asked why he thinks his re-election race against Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes is so competitive.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Although there are a great many love poems, a fair few elegies and a generally frank response to everything under the sun, there is also a characteristic mood of something like (but not the same as) evasion in his poems.

The Guardian - Books

However, as the level of toxic bile acids approaches that eliciting cholestasis, the body requires a more frank response, including both an increase in catabolic processes and protective pathways.

Plosone

At the weekend, John Oliver continued to push the boundaries of current affairs reporting on his HBO show Last Week Tonight with a typically frank response to the Paris attacks.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

— U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in an unusually frank response to continued reports of indiscriminate bombings and allegations of war crimes in the besieged Syrian city.

Vice

Assessment of tumour response is also included as a secondary end point to capture any frank responses to therapy.

British Journal of Cancer

"We would be very keen to get from the Home Office a full and frank response to the research that was commissioned in 2002.

Independent

Amnesty International praised the government for its willingness to confront the issue of torture and for its "full and frank response" to international criticism.

The New York Times

"It is hard to know where to start," was Wales captain Ryan Jones's frank response when asked what went wrong as he led the team for a record 29th time.

The New York Times - Sports

The strength of our study is the high response rate and free and frank response of participants.

Human Resources for Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a frank response" when you want to emphasize that someone answered honestly and directly, even if the answer is potentially uncomfortable or critical.

Common error

Avoid using "a frank response" in situations where tact or diplomacy is more important than blunt honesty. Consider the audience and the potential impact of complete openness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a frank response" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object of a verb (e.g., give, receive, expect). According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, indicating an honest and direct reply.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a frank response" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable phrase used to characterize an honest and direct answer. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not extremely common, its use is appropriate in various contexts, with a leaning toward news and media, as well as scientific writing. When choosing this phrase, ensure that the context values directness and honesty; otherwise, consider alternatives like "an honest answer" or "a candid reply" for scenarios requiring more tact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an honest answer

Replaces "frank" with "honest", focusing on truthfulness.

a candid reply

Substitutes "frank" with "candid", highlighting sincerity and openness.

a straightforward answer

Emphasizes the direct and uncomplicated nature of the response.

a sincere response

Focuses on the genuineness and heartfelt nature of the answer.

an open and honest reply

Highlights both the transparency and truthfulness of the response.

a direct answer

Focuses on the lack of evasion or ambiguity in the response.

an unambiguous response

Stresses the clarity and lack of confusion in the answer.

a truthful reply

Emphasizes the absence of lies or deception in the response.

a forthright answer

Highlights the boldness and directness of the response.

a plain answer

Focuses on the simplicity and lack of embellishment in the answer.

FAQs

What does "a frank response" mean?

The phrase "a frank response" means an honest, direct, and straightforward answer, often without attempts to be polite or evasive.

How can I use "a frank response" in a sentence?

You can use "a frank response" to describe someone's answer to a question, for example: "I appreciated his willingness to give me "a frank response" about the project's progress."

What are some alternatives to "a frank response"?

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

Is it always appropriate to give "a frank response"?

While honesty is generally valued, it's not always appropriate to give "a frank response". Consider the context and whether diplomacy or tact might be more suitable in certain situations.