be completely truthful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be completely truthful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to be honest or to provide accurate information without any deception. Example: "In our discussions, I expect everyone to be completely truthful about their opinions and experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

But Dr. Phil urges her to be "completely truthful".

The New York Times - Arts

And I would not be completely truthful if I didn't say that sometimes, I do.

The New Yorker

While it's essential to be completely truthful, a consumer cannot be forced to answer any questions.

The Washington Post

"There are several probing points that lead me to believe that he's not going to be completely truthful".

The New York Times - Sports

"We expect Lance to be completely truthful and forthcoming in his interview and with all of us in the cancer community".

Independent

But Dr. Phil urges her to be "completely truthful". The dread on her face is visible as he tells her that he knows what her "problem" is.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"He has not been completely truthful.

The Guardian

When I was transitioning, I was completely truthful with my kids and told them, 'I don't know' quite often".

The New York Times

You see, I wasn't being completely truthful when I said you couldn't blow my cover.

The New Yorker

"They're completely truthful, but they're completely unreal because they just go boom, boom, boom, boom, boom," he said, rapidly clapping his hands in time.

The New York Times

Miles Ehrlich, Gronet's lawyer, said his client and other Solyndra executives "were completely truthful and accurate" in describing the company to the Energy Department.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking someone to "be completely truthful", ensure they understand the context and importance of their honesty. This is especially crucial in legal, professional, or personal situations where trust is paramount.

Common error

Avoid using "be completely truthful" as an excuse for being insensitive or hurtful. While honesty is essential, it should be tempered with empathy and consideration for the other person's feelings. It's about being truthful, not brutally frank.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be completely truthful" functions as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to adopt a state of honesty and accuracy in their communication. This usage aligns with Ludwig's observation that it encourages honest and accurate provision of information.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be completely truthful" serves as a direct imperative, urging honesty and accuracy in communication. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, although it is most frequently found in news and academic settings. While it is crucial to emphasize honesty, it's equally important to balance truthfulness with empathy to avoid causing unnecessary offense. Alternatives such as "be entirely honest" or "be fully candid" can offer a similar meaning with a slightly different tone. Ultimately, understanding the context and intent behind the phrase is key to its effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be entirely honest

Replaces "truthful" with "honest", maintaining the same level of formality and directness.

be perfectly honest

Emphasizes honesty without any flaw, therefore it is the close similar meaning to "be completely truthful".

be absolutely truthful

Highlights the importance of truthfulness with "absolutely", therefore it is the close similar meaning to "be completely truthful".

be wholly truthful

Underscores the importance of truthfulness with "wholly", therefore it is the close similar meaning to "be completely truthful".

be fully candid

Emphasizes openness and sincerity, differing slightly in tone by suggesting a more revealing honesty.

tell the absolute truth

Emphasizes the telling of the truth without any shade of a doubt.

be completely frank

Stresses directness and outspokenness, adding a nuance of boldness to the request for truthfulness.

give the whole truth

Shifts focus from being truthful to providing a comprehensive and unedited version of the truth.

give an honest account

Focuses on providing a truthful report or description, shifting the emphasis from personal character to factual representation.

hold nothing back

Changes the approach to the information that the user should provide, but it does not require truthfulness.

FAQs

How can I use "be completely truthful" in a sentence?

You can use "be completely truthful" to urge someone to provide an honest account, as in: "During the investigation, it's crucial that everyone "be completely truthful" about their involvement."

What is a formal alternative to "be completely truthful"?

A more formal alternative is to request someone to "provide a candid account" or to state that "complete transparency is expected".

Is there a difference between "be completely truthful" and "be entirely honest"?

While both phrases emphasize honesty, ""be completely truthful"" focuses specifically on accuracy and factuality, whereas "be entirely honest" encompasses a broader sense of moral integrity and sincerity. The difference is subtle, and they are often interchangeable.

When is it appropriate to ask someone to "be completely truthful"?

It is appropriate in situations where honesty is paramount, such as legal proceedings, formal investigations, or serious personal discussions. However, consider the context and relationship to avoid appearing accusatory or distrustful.