an honest reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an honest reply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when requesting or emphasizing the need for a truthful or sincere response from someone. Example: "I appreciate your candor, and I hope you can give me an honest reply about your thoughts on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

This is an honest reply.

The Guardian

When asked by a government minister for her impressions, she gave him an honest reply.

The New York Times

The Conservative Chief Whip Michael Gove responded by arguing that Mr Cameron had given an "honest reply" that reflects the reality of fixed-term parliaments.

BBC

Our survey was not able to distinguish those who would reply honestly to a question about currently illegal practice because they do not engage in such practice and therefore an honest reply poses no risk to them.

BMJ Open

Never ask a Virgo for their opinion if you don't want an honest reply.

WikiHow

An honest reply would go something like this: "We haven't got enough staff, we've had cuts, we're on our knees working all hours and still missing our targets.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It was then that a student shyly stood and asked: why?Mr Hague offered a disarmingly honest reply.

The Economist

Instead, thank her for an honest answer and let her know that you understand and accept her reply.

WikiHow

When I asked Horsfall if he wanted the negotiations to succeed, he gave a brutally honest reply.

The Guardian

En route I ask a couple how they have made a choice for a show they are going to at the Assembly Rooms, and get a bracingly honest reply: "Well, it has themes that are relevant to us.

The Guardian

Without an honest answer there can be no 'honest' result.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using "an honest reply". While directness is valued, ensure the tone remains respectful and appropriate for the situation.

Common error

Avoid equating "an honest reply" with being deliberately hurtful or insensitive. While honesty is key, it should always be balanced with tact and empathy. Ensure the reply is constructive rather than simply critical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an honest reply" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'honest' modifies the noun 'reply'. It's used to emphasize the expectation or need for a truthful and sincere response, as illustrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an honest reply" is a phrase used to request or emphasize the need for a truthful and sincere response. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including news, wikis, and scientific articles. While honesty is crucial, it is important to balance directness with tact. Alternatives such as "a truthful answer" or "a sincere response" may be more appropriate depending on the context. The key is to ensure the response is constructive and respectful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a truthful answer

Focuses on the accuracy of the response.

a sincere response

Emphasizes the genuineness and heartfelt nature of the reply.

a candid answer

Highlights the frankness and openness of the response.

a straightforward reply

Stresses the directness and lack of ambiguity in the answer.

a frank response

Indicates a reply that is honest, even if potentially unpleasant.

a genuine answer

Highlights the authenticity and lack of pretense in the reply.

a forthright response

Implies a direct and unambiguous answer, without hesitation.

an open answer

Stresses the transparency and lack of hidden information in the reply.

an undisguised response

Indicates that the reply is not concealed or masked in any way.

a plain answer

Highlights the simplicity and lack of embellishment in the reply.

FAQs

What's a good way to use "an honest reply" in a sentence?

You can use "an honest reply" to emphasize the need for a truthful answer, such as, "I need "an honest reply" about what happened."

What can I say instead of "an honest reply"?

You can use alternatives like "a truthful answer", "a sincere response", or "a candid answer" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to ask for "an honest reply"?

It's appropriate to ask for "an honest reply" when you need a genuine and sincere answer, especially when dealing with sensitive matters or critical decisions. It sets the expectation for truthfulness.

Is there a difference between "an honest reply" and "a truthful answer"?

While both convey truthfulness, ""an honest reply"" often implies sincerity and frankness in addition to accuracy, whereas ""a truthful answer"" primarily focuses on the factual correctness of the response.