be forthright

USAGE SUMMARY

"be forthright" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to be honest, direct, and open in communication or behavior. It can be used in various situations where someone is expected to speak truthfully or to express their thoughts and feelings openly. Example: During the job interview, the candidate was asked to be forthright about their past work experience and qualifications.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But Mr Kwasniewski can afford to be forthright.

The Economist

"Actually be forthright with the American people," he said.

The New York Times

Posada, I knew, would be forthright about his condition.

The New York Times - Sports

"He considers the people there to be forthright and courageous".

The Guardian

The person declining the handshake can be forthright.

The New York Times - Health

Be forthright, without getting preachy; you can lead by example.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Every now and then, it's important to be forthright".

The New York Times

"When we make a mistake, we must be forthright," General McChrystal said in a statement.

The New York Times

Our modern-day Buckley's denouncement of once fringe Tea Party candidates should be forthright.

The New York Times

"To be forthright, sir, I did very poorly in high school," Cpl.

The New York Times

MR. PARANJPE and other top managers advise companies to be forthright in their communications with employees.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be forthright", ensure the context calls for directness and honesty. Consider your audience and soften the message if necessary to avoid unintended offense.

Common error

Avoid using "be forthright" as an excuse for rudeness or insensitivity. While directness is valuable, consider the impact of your words and deliver your message with empathy and tact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be forthright" functions as an imperative, urging someone to adopt a manner of communication characterized by honesty and directness. As Ludwig AI underlines, the examples highlight its use in contexts where transparency and clear expression are valued.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be forthright" is a call for honesty and directness in communication. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news and media. While it's a valuable trait, remember to balance directness with tact and empathy to avoid unintended offense. Alternatives like "be candid" or "be direct" offer similar meanings, with slight variations in nuance. Always consider your audience and the context when choosing to "be forthright" to ensure effective and respectful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be candid

Focuses on honesty and openness, sometimes implying a willingness to share uncomfortable truths.

be direct

Highlights the absence of intermediaries or ambiguity in communication.

be frank

Emphasizes sincerity and lack of reserve in expressing one's views.

be open

Stresses transparency and a willingness to share information.

be honest

Highlights truthfulness and integrity in communication.

be plainspoken

Suggests speaking in a clear and straightforward manner, avoiding euphemisms.

be blunt

Implies a directness that may be perceived as insensitive or tactless.

be upfront

Focuses on disclosing information at the beginning, preventing misunderstandings.

be clear

Highlights the ease with which the message can be understood.

be forthcoming

Emphasizes a willingness to provide information when asked.

FAQs

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

You can use "be forthright" to encourage someone to be honest and direct, as in "It's important to "be forthright" about your concerns". It's a call for clear and honest communication.

What can I say instead of "be forthright"?

You can use alternatives like "be candid", "be direct", or "be frank", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of honesty and directness.

Is it always appropriate to "be forthright"?

While honesty is generally valued, there are situations where tact and diplomacy are more appropriate. Consider your audience and the potential impact of your words before choosing to "be forthright".

What's the difference between "be forthright" and "be blunt"?

"Be forthright" emphasizes honesty and directness, while "be blunt" suggests a directness that may be perceived as insensitive or tactless. Forthrightness aims for clarity and honesty, while bluntness prioritizes directness without concern for feelings.