be candid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be candid" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when encouraging someone to speak honestly or openly about their thoughts or feelings. Example: "I appreciate your feedback, so please be candid about any concerns you may have."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You can be candid.

The New York Times

Why not be candid?

The Washington Post

Be candid with yourself.

The Washington Post

"Let's be candid.

The Guardian

He said the government would be "candid".

The Economist

"Let me be candid," he said.

The New York Times

Be candid about goals and expectations.

The New York Times

6. Agree to be candid.

Harvard Business Review

"I'll be candid with you.

The New York Times

"I'll be candid," Robella said.

The New Yorker

Let's be candid, Croatia is no secret tourist haven.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing feedback, "be candid" to ensure clarity and avoid misunderstandings, but always balance honesty with empathy.

Common error

Avoid using "be candid" as an excuse for being insensitive or disrespectful. Remember that candor involves honesty and clarity, but it should always be delivered with tact and consideration for the other person's feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be candid" functions as an imperative, urging someone to adopt a manner of speaking that is honest, direct, and sincere. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and examples across various sources illustrate its role in encouraging open communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be candid" is a widely used imperative that encourages honesty and openness in communication. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in English writing. With a neutral register and frequent use in news, academia, and business contexts, it emphasizes the importance of direct and sincere expression. When using "be candid", it's essential to balance truthfulness with tact to ensure effective and respectful communication. Alternatives include "be honest" and "be frank", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be honest

Directly implies truthfulness and sincerity, without necessarily conveying the same degree of forthrightness.

be frank

Emphasizes straightforwardness and directness, potentially implying a lack of hesitation in expressing one's views.

be open

Suggests a willingness to share thoughts and feelings freely, focusing on accessibility and transparency.

be forthright

Highlights directness and lack of evasion, often in a firm or assertive manner.

be straightforward

Implies clarity and simplicity in communication, avoiding ambiguity or complexity.

speak plainly

Focuses on using clear and simple language to ensure understanding, minimizing potential for misinterpretation.

tell the truth

Simply indicates a commitment to stating what is factual and accurate.

be upfront

Implies transparency and honesty from the beginning, preventing any surprises or hidden agendas.

give your honest opinion

Specifically requests someone's sincere perspective or evaluation, potentially in a critical context.

be genuine

Focuses on authenticity and sincerity, implying that one's words and actions are consistent with their true self.

FAQs

How can I use "be candid" in a sentence?

You can use "be candid" when you want someone to be honest and open in their communication. For example, you might say, "Please "be candid" about your concerns so we can address them effectively."

What is a more formal alternative to "be candid"?

In more formal settings, you could use phrases such as "be forthright" or "be frank" to convey a similar meaning while maintaining a professional tone.

Is it always appropriate to "be candid"?

While honesty is generally valued, there are situations where tact and diplomacy are more important. Consider your audience and the context before choosing to "be candid", balancing truthfulness with sensitivity.

What's the difference between "be candid" and "be honest"?

"Be honest" simply means telling the truth, while ""be candid"" implies a more open and straightforward communication style, often including your true feelings and opinions.