a little more forthcoming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little more forthcoming" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting someone to be more open or willing to share information. Example: "I would appreciate it if you could be a little more forthcoming about the project's progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Zhang was a little more forthcoming.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ms. Hughes was a little more forthcoming about the president last week in Eau Claire.

The New York Times

Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook was a little more forthcoming — no Facebook-built social games are planned — but not much.

The New York Times

Once we have completed our investigation, we will be a little more forthcoming with the facts we have uncovered".

The New York Times - Sports

(Although I got the sense that nobody at ESPN would complain if the Patriots were a little more forthcoming with media access).

The New Yorker

JEFFREY TOOBIN: I expect the hearings will be similar, with Kagan being perhaps a little more forthcoming about her views, particularly since she is on the record in so few areas.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The action cam pioneer is showing off a little more of the forthcoming system, albeit in the most GoPro of ways, nestling into it a sort of heartwarming video highlighting father and son professional racers Randy and Dakota Mamola, the latter of whom took GoPro's forthcoming Live VR system along for the ride during a MotoAmerica circuit race in Salt Lake City.

TechCrunch

Will it be "whatever" when I take away all your Treat Points and force you to quit cross-country, as I have several times threatened to do if a little more cheerful obedience wasn't forthcoming?

The New Yorker

PHOTOS: 2013's year of controversial rap lyrics Kanye gave a cryptic tweet a little more than a month in advance of "Yeezus" and Jay Z announced his forthcoming album in a Samsung commercial just a couple weeks before "Magna Carta Holy Grail".

Los Angeles Times

While I await her presumably forthcoming portrait by Shepard Fairey, I wish "Jane's Journey" had given me a little more.

The New York Times

"Maybe a little more".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a little more forthcoming", consider the context. It's often used when someone has been hesitant or reserved, and you're encouraging them to be more open. For instance, "After some prodding, she was "a little more forthcoming" with details about the incident."

Common error

Ensure the context makes it clear what information you want someone to be more forthcoming about. Avoid using the phrase in situations where the subject is already openly discussed, as it could imply distrust or suspicion unnecessarily.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little more forthcoming" functions as an adverbial modifier, intensifying the adjective 'forthcoming'. It suggests a relative increase in willingness to provide information. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and can be used when requesting someone to be more open or willing to share information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a little more forthcoming" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that encourages greater openness and transparency. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating its relevance in journalistic and informative discourse. While not overly formal, it maintains a neutral register suitable for a range of situations. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what information is being requested to avoid vagueness or unintended implications of distrust.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shade more open

Suggests a subtle increase in willingness to share.

slightly more communicative

Emphasizes the act of communicating rather than general openness.

a bit more candid

Focuses on honesty and frankness in revealing information.

somewhat more transparent

Highlights the clarity and visibility of information shared.

marginally more revealing

Indicates a slight increase in the amount of information disclosed.

slightly more expansive

Implies providing more detail or breadth in communication.

relatively more accessible

Focuses on the ease with which information can be obtained.

a touch more descriptive

Highlights the use of detailed language in explanation.

ever-so-slightly more detailed

Implies that details are being revealed but with very minimal details.

a fraction more divulging

Suggests a minimal and reluctant disclosure of details.

FAQs

How can I politely ask someone to be "a little more forthcoming"?

You can phrase it as a request for clarification or additional details. For example, "Could you be "a little more forthcoming" about the reasons behind this decision?"

What does it mean to be "a little more forthcoming"?

It means to be "more willing to share" information, details, or insights about a particular topic or situation.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a little more forthcoming"?

It's appropriate when you sense someone is holding back information and you need them to be "more open" to facilitate understanding or progress.

Is "a little more forthcoming" the same as being completely transparent?

No, "a little more forthcoming" suggests a partial increase in openness, while "complete transparency" implies full and unrestricted disclosure.