be candid about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be candid about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when encouraging someone to speak openly and honestly about a particular topic or issue. Example: "I appreciate your willingness to be candid about your concerns during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be candid about goals and expectations.

The New York Times

We can't be candid about everything in our society.

The New Yorker

Glasnot has released Estonians to be candid about their distaste for Russians.

The New Yorker

We now realize we were wrong, and that it's time to be candid about the issues".

The New Yorker

But he still wanted to be candid about his newcomer status.

The New York Times

Be open Perhaps the most delicate issue is whether to be candid about a disability.

The New York Times

Mr. Placke encourages the veterans to be candid about any past troubles.

The New York Times

And we should be candid about the areas where we still disagree.

The Guardian

The judge said he wanted jurors to be candid about their views during the selection process.

The New York Times

His depression is something that he is learning to be candid about.

The New York Times

The Silver Fox came out fighting dirty, draping his diss in a cloak of chivalry: "Let's be candid about this.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience and the context when using "be candid about". While generally appropriate, in some formal settings, a slightly more diplomatic phrasing might be preferable.

Common error

While "be candid about" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in very casual conversations. Opt for simpler, more natural alternatives like "be honest" or "be upfront" to maintain a conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be candid about" functions as a directive, urging individuals to express themselves honestly and openly regarding a specific subject. Ludwig shows its use in various contexts, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness and transparency in communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be candid about" is a versatile phrase used to encourage honesty and transparency in communication. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and widespread presence across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Formal & Business domains. While generally acceptable, remember to adjust the formality of your language depending on the setting, opting for simpler alternatives in casual conversations. To enhance your writing, consider using synonyms like "be honest about" or "be frank about" for nuanced emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be honest about

Emphasizes truthfulness and sincerity.

be frank about

Highlights directness and a lack of reservation.

be open about

Focuses on transparency and a willingness to share information.

be upfront about

Stresses forthrightness and clarity from the beginning.

be direct about

Emphasizes clear and unambiguous communication.

speak openly about

Focuses on expressing thoughts and feelings without holding back.

tell the truth about

Highlights the act of conveying accurate information.

disclose information about

Implies revealing something that was previously private or unknown.

reveal details about

Focuses on making specific information known.

address concerns about

Highlights acknowledging and discussing worries or issues.

FAQs

What does "be candid about" mean?

The phrase "be candid about" means to be honest, direct, and straightforward when discussing a particular topic. It implies a willingness to share information openly and without holding back.

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

You can use "be candid about" to encourage someone to speak honestly, or to describe your own intention to be truthful. For example, "I appreciate you "being candid about" your concerns" or "Let's "be candid about" the challenges we face."

What can I say instead of "be candid about"?

You can use alternatives like "be honest about", "be frank about", or "be open about" depending on the context.

Is "be candid about" formal or informal?

"Be candid about" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for professional, news, and academic contexts. In very informal settings, simpler alternatives like "be honest" or "be upfront" might be more appropriate.