be direct with the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be direct with the" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to communicate clearly and straightforwardly with a specific person or group. Example: "In your feedback, make sure to be direct with the team about the project's shortcomings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

When a patient or co-worker is getting overly defensive or having verbal outbursts, it is best to be direct with the person and explain that their behavior is disruptive, he said.

The New York Times

My thought would be to both be direct with the children, and reach out to the parents — keeping in mind that when you're not watching, yours may be the kids who are breaking limbs off trees and eating all the hot dogs at someone else's cook-out.

The New York Times

We observed several methods of sentinel replacement: it could be direct, with the replacer flying directly to the guarding bird, with or without some food item, and the previous sentinel then leaving its perch; or indirect, with the replacer taking up a guarding position on another perch.

F1000Research

What you can do when in a situation like this is be direct with the person and tell them you don't like what they said.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Be direct with these people," said Johnson.

The New York Times - Sports

The P-subgraph would be directed with the same properties of P-subgraph in Definition 7; however, the definition of the S-subgraph would be slightly different.

Computational Social Networks

Heath was direct with the bird.

Huffington Post

Here they are fertilised and retained, development of the embryos in the brood pouch being direct with the young hatching from the eggs as miniature adults.

Wikipedia

I've always believed that you should be direct with people who you like and the people that like you.

Vice

Be direct with them.

WikiHow

Be direct with people.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving feedback, "be direct with the" recipient about specific behaviors or outcomes, rather than making general statements.

Common error

Avoid using "be direct with the" as an excuse for being insensitive or disrespectful. Focus on clarity and honesty, but always maintain a courteous tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be direct with the" functions as an imperative, urging someone to communicate clearly and without ambiguity. As Ludwig suggests, it advises straightforwardness when addressing someone or a group.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be direct with the" serves as a call for clear, honest communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and encourages straightforwardness. While relatively uncommon, it finds use across various contexts, from news reports to everyday advice. Remember to balance directness with empathy to ensure your message is well-received. Consider alternatives like "be straightforward with the" or "be frank with the" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be straightforward with the

Emphasizes honesty and clarity in communication.

be upfront with the

Suggests honesty and openness from the beginning.

be frank with the

Highlights honesty, even if potentially blunt.

be candid with the

Focuses on sincerity and openness in communication.

be honest with the

Focuses specifically on truthfulness.

be plain with the

Stresses simplicity and lack of ambiguity.

speak plainly to the

Highlights the act of speaking clearly and directly.

be blunt with the

Implies directness to the point of potential insensitivity.

tell it straight to the

Informal phrase emphasizing directness and honesty.

get straight to the point with the

Emphasizes efficiency and avoiding unnecessary details.

FAQs

How can I use "be direct with the" effectively?

Use "be direct with the" to encourage clear and honest communication, especially when addressing sensitive or important topics. Remember to balance directness with empathy and respect.

What does it mean to "be direct with the"?

To "be direct with the" means to communicate your thoughts and feelings clearly and straightforwardly, avoiding ambiguity or unnecessary complexity. It emphasizes honesty and clarity in your message.

What are some alternatives to "be direct with the"?

Alternatives to "be direct with the" include "be straightforward with the", "be frank with the", or "be candid with the", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of clear communication.

In what situations should I "be direct with the"?

You should "be direct with the" when clarity and honesty are paramount, such as when giving feedback, resolving conflicts, or explaining complex information. However, always consider the audience and context to ensure your message is received positively.