address squarely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "address squarely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the need to confront an issue directly and without evasion. Example: "In order to resolve the conflict, we must address squarely the underlying issues that have caused the disagreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is not the goal of this essay to address squarely the vast set of issues that emerge from the previous quotes.

SEP

Thank you for raising this important question, which we certainly wish to address squarely and have it come across clearly in the manuscript.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Here we have a problem, which Jean-Yves Tadie addresses squarely in his preface: Is biography therefore redundant?

The New York Times - Books

But like Ms. Brown, she also believes the issue of race and breast cancer should be addressed squarely.

The New York Times - Health

(In the law, that's an unsettled question: The Supreme Court could soon agree to hear a separate Wisconsin case that addresses squarely the validity of "partisan" gerrymandering).

Huffington Post

The piece addressed itself squarely to the art world, among other audiences.

The New York Times

However, he put the responsibility of addressing inequality squarely with the government, stating: "Every monetary policy action has distributional consequences.

The Guardian - Business

And then, addressing him squarely across the ten yards that separated their benches, she said, "I am not frightened of you.

The New Yorker

While he decried slavery and Jim Crow as a modern-day sin, Rauschenbusch never addressed racism squarely, and at some points expressed a world view whose racism makes one cringe in embarrassment.

Huffington Post

We must address that debacle squarely with investment rather than with expedited importation.

The New York Times

Across the broad geography of its membership, the G-20 needs to squarely address the crisis of rising inequality.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "address squarely" when you want to emphasize a direct, honest, and uncompromising approach to discussing or resolving an issue. It conveys a sense of responsibility and a commitment to facing the challenge head-on.

Common error

Avoid using "address squarely" in very informal contexts. While widely applicable, it carries a tone of seriousness and purpose, making it less suitable for casual conversations or light-hearted discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "address squarely" functions as a verb phrase where "address" is the verb and "squarely" is an adverb modifying it. It indicates the manner in which something is addressed or dealt with, emphasizing directness and honesty. As Ludwig AI mentions, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "address squarely" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that conveys the importance of confronting issues directly and honestly. As Ludwig AI points out, it is suitable for a variety of contexts, from news and media to science and formal business communications. While highly versatile, it is essential to consider the level of formality in the context, as it may not always be appropriate for informal conversations. Alternatives such as "tackle head-on" or "confront directly" can be used to express similar meanings, but with slightly different nuances. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively use "address squarely" to add emphasis and clarity to their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tackle head-on

Emphasizes a direct and immediate confrontation with the issue, differing slightly in its aggressive connotation.

confront directly

Focuses on facing the issue without avoidance, similar in meaning but less emphatic.

deal with forthrightly

Highlights honesty and directness in handling the matter, adding a layer of ethical consideration.

face up to

Implies acceptance of the challenge and responsibility in addressing the issue.

take on directly

Suggests a proactive and engaged approach to handling the problem.

grapple with directly

Indicates a struggle or challenge in addressing the issue, adding a sense of effort.

meet head-on

Stresses the act of encountering the issue directly and immediately.

handle decisively

Emphasizes a firm and resolute manner in managing the issue.

resolve directly

Focuses on finding a solution to the issue without delay or evasion.

attend to directly

Highlights the act of giving immediate and focused attention to the issue.

FAQs

How can I use "address squarely" in a sentence?

You can use "address squarely" when you want to emphasize a direct, honest, and uncompromising approach to discussing or resolving an issue. For example: "The report urges the government to "address squarely" the problem of income inequality."

What can I say instead of "address squarely"?

You can use alternatives like "tackle head-on", "confront directly", or "deal with forthrightly" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "address squarely" or "address square"?

"Address squarely" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Address square" is grammatically incorrect as it doesn't use the correct adverbial form to modify the verb.

What's the difference between "address squarely" and "address directly"?

While both phrases imply a lack of evasion, "address squarely" suggests a more comprehensive and decisive approach, while "address directly" simply means to confront without intermediaries or detours. The first conveys a more firm intention to solve, while the latter is only about communication.