absolute frankness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absolute frankness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing complete honesty or openness in communication. Example: "In our discussions, I appreciate absolute frankness, as it helps us address issues directly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He said that interviewees needed to know they could "speak with absolute frankness and candour" and the subsequent reports needed to be "drafted in frank, and if necessary blunt, language" so that "problems are confronted and addressed, and are not avoided or overlooked".

The Guardian

"I can say with absolute frankness that it's not going to happen.

The Guardian

Seton counsels absolute frankness on sexual issues, but when it comes to giving details, he delegates: In this handbook I have touched upon many important items of a boy's education, but there is scarcely one more important than that of continence.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I've let down a lot of people, that's the bottom line," the 49-year-old governor said at a news conference where he choked up as he ruminated with remarkable frankness on God's law, moral absolutes and following one's heart.

Huffington Post

Courageous frankness?

The New York Times

Or frankness, honesty, integrity.

The New York Times

Frankness dates fast.

The New York Times

I liked his frankness.

The New York Times

His frankness was unusual.

The New York Times - Magazine

His frankness is endearing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her frankness was too disarming.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "absolute frankness" to emphasize a commitment to complete and unreserved honesty, especially in situations where open communication is crucial for resolving conflicts or building trust. For instance, in a performance review, encourage "absolute frankness" from both the employee and the manager to ensure constructive feedback.

Common error

Avoid overusing "absolute" in your writing. While "absolute frankness" can be effective, relying too heavily on intensifiers diminishes their impact. Instead of saying "absolute frankness", consider if "complete honesty" or "total candor" might be more appropriate and avoid redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolute frankness" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it emphasizes complete honesty. This phrase is most often used to highlight the necessity of being forthright.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "absolute frankness" is a noun phrase that underscores the importance of complete and unreserved honesty. While grammatically correct, its usage is relatively rare. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase often appears in news and media contexts where open communication and transparency are critical. Alternatives like "complete honesty" or "total candor" may be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using "absolute frankness", emphasize commitment to directness. Be mindful of overusing intensifiers like "absolute" in your writing. Although the phrase is grammatically correct, it should be used sparingly to maintain the writing's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete honesty

Focuses on the truthfulness aspect, omitting the directness implied by "frankness".

total candor

Similar to "absolute frankness", but suggests a more formal and open disclosure of information.

unreserved honesty

Highlights the lack of limitations or reservations in the honesty being expressed.

unflinching candor

Emphasizes the unwavering and resolute nature of the honesty.

utter sincerity

Shifts the focus to the genuineness and depth of feeling behind the honesty.

full disclosure

Emphasizes the completeness of the information being revealed, often used in legal or business contexts.

brutal honesty

Highlights the potentially harsh or painful nature of the honesty.

forthrightness

Focuses on direct and straightforward communication, possibly lacking the intensity of "absolute".

openness and honesty

Highlights openness aspect and directness aspect, creating a more balanced and complete picture.

transparency

Stresses visibility and accessibility of information rather than the emotional element of frankness.

FAQs

How can I use "absolute frankness" in a sentence?

You can use "absolute frankness" to describe a situation where complete and unreserved honesty is required, such as, "The success of this project depends on our "absolute frankness" with each other."

What are some alternatives to "absolute frankness"?

Some alternatives to "absolute frankness" include "complete honesty", "total candor", or "unreserved honesty", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "absolute frankness"?

It's appropriate to use "absolute frankness" when you want to emphasize the importance of being completely open and honest, without any reservations or holding back. This is useful in contexts where trust and transparency are essential.

Is "absolute frankness" the same as "brutal honesty"?

While both involve honesty, "absolute frankness" focuses on openness and completeness, whereas "brutal honesty" implies a directness that may be harsh or insensitive. "Absolute frankness" doesn't necessarily mean being blunt, just completely honest.