a frank voice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a frank voice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who speaks openly and honestly, often without sugarcoating their words. Example: "During the meeting, she spoke with a frank voice, addressing the issues that everyone else was too afraid to mention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He had a beautiful voice, but it was a Frank voice.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Her vocals (she sings confessional songs in a wild, frank voice) add unexpected texture.

The New York Times - Arts

Following an unnamed teen-ager's initiation into adulthood in Tuscany in the Fascist years, it is a series of episodes of alienation, narrated in a frank, flat voice.

The New Yorker

The soundtrack captures the life-worn grain of their voices with a frank intimacy that pulls viewers into the actors' personal space.

The New Yorker

In a frank speech on Wednesday, Anne-Marie Slaughter voiced concerns over the economic logic of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a major free trade pact the Obama administration has negotiated with 11 nations.

Huffington Post

"ANNE FRANK: A VOICE HEARD," a musical production based on the diaries, performed by American Family Theater, a professional children's theater troupe.

The New York Times - Arts

Woolf's deliciously frolicsome tone, with the narrator merging the mock-serious voice of a sober biographer with a frank acknowledgment of the impossibility of teasing out truth from the mists of history, comes through with its bright, pealing wit.

The New York Times

The book is a frank portrayal of poverty and abuse in Harlem, told in the voice of its barely literate protagonist, Clareece (Precious) Jones.

The New Yorker

A frank e-mail Dr. Moody-Adams sent to trustees and alumni claimed that her voice had not been "taken seriously" regarding policies that would "ultimately compromise the college's academic quality and financial health".

The New York Times

"We had a frank exchange of views.

Independent

You could have a frank talk.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a frank voice" when you want to emphasize the speaker's honesty and directness, even if it might be perceived as blunt. It’s useful in contexts where transparency is valued.

Common error

Don't assume that "a frank voice" means a loud or boisterous voice. Frankness refers to the honesty and openness of the message, not necessarily the volume or tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a frank voice" functions as a descriptive element, typically acting as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. According to Ludwig AI, it describes the quality of someone's voice, highlighting its honesty and directness. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing both literal and figurative voices.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a frank voice" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone who speaks with honesty and directness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While it's important to use it judiciously, being aware that frankness prioritizes transparency, alternative expressions such as "an honest tone" or "a direct communication style", may be more appropriate depending on the context. Usage patterns show it is prevalent in news and media but appears also in scientific or general contents.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an honest tone

Replaces 'frank' with 'honest' and 'voice' with 'tone', emphasizing sincerity rather than directness.

a candid manner of speaking

Substitutes 'frank' with 'candid' and uses 'manner of speaking' to broaden the description beyond just the sound of the voice.

a direct communication style

Focuses on the style of communication, highlighting directness rather than vocal qualities.

an open and forthright expression

Uses 'open and forthright' to describe the expression, emphasizing transparency and honesty.

a straightforward way of talking

Highlights the simplicity and lack of ambiguity in the way someone speaks.

a sincere declaration

Shifts the focus to sincerity, suggesting the voice conveys genuine emotion and belief.

a truthful account

Emphasizes the accuracy and veracity of the information being conveyed.

a plainspoken delivery

Highlights the simplicity and clarity of the way words are delivered.

an unvarnished statement

Indicates that the statement is presented without any embellishment or sugarcoating.

a blunt pronouncement

Suggests a very direct, perhaps even harsh, manner of speaking.

FAQs

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

You can use "a frank voice" to describe someone speaking honestly and directly. For example, "She addressed the team with "a frank voice", acknowledging the project's shortcomings."

What's a good alternative to "a frank voice"?

Alternatives include "an honest tone", "a candid manner of speaking", or "a direct communication style", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "a frank voice"?

It's appropriate in situations where honesty and clarity are prioritized, such as performance reviews, difficult conversations, or when providing feedback. However, be mindful of the audience and context to ensure your frankness is well-received.

What's the difference between "a frank voice" and "an aggressive voice"?

"A frank voice" emphasizes honesty and directness, while "an aggressive voice" suggests hostility and confrontation. Frankness focuses on the content of the message, while aggression focuses on the tone and delivery.