be frank

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be frank" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to speak openly and honestly, without holding back their thoughts or feelings. Example: "I appreciate your honesty, so please be frank with me about your concerns regarding the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But let's be frank.

The New York Times

"I'll be frank.

The New Yorker

"I need to be frank".

The New York Times

"I'll be frank with you".

The New York Times - Sports

Q. O.K., be frank.

The New York Times

"Let us be frank.

The New York Times

Can I be frank?

The Guardian - Sport

Well, I'll be frank.

The New Yorker

"But I will be frank with you.

The New Yorker

"Let me be frank," he said.

The New Yorker

Before that — well, let's be frank.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be frank" when you want to encourage open and honest communication, especially when addressing sensitive or important topics. It sets a tone of directness and sincerity.

Common error

While "be frank" is useful, avoid using it excessively in a single conversation or piece of writing. Overuse can make you sound overly blunt or insincere. Instead, vary your language with alternatives like "speak candidly" or "be honest".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be frank" primarily functions as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to adopt a mode of communication characterized by honesty and directness. Ludwig examples confirm its use to signal a forthcoming candid statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

9%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be frank" is a commonly used phrase that invites open and honest communication. It is grammatically correct and functions primarily as an imperative, signaling a forthcoming candid statement. Analysis of Ludwig examples indicates that it’s most frequently found in News & Media sources. While generally neutral in tone, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly blunt. Remember to vary your language by using alternatives like "speak candidly" or "be honest" when appropriate. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely recognized and accepted in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

speak candidly

This phrase emphasizes openness and honesty in one's speech.

be honest

A more general phrase that focuses on truthfulness.

be upfront

Implies being straightforward and clear from the beginning.

speak openly

Highlights the act of expressing thoughts and feelings without reservation.

pull no punches

Suggests delivering a message directly without softening the impact.

mince no words

Similar to 'pull no punches', indicating a lack of hesitation in expressing oneself.

tell it like it is

Emphasizes conveying the truth, even if it's unpleasant.

lay it on the line

Means to state something clearly and directly, often involving a risk.

get real

A more informal expression urging someone to be honest and practical.

call a spade a spade

Means to speak plainly and directly, avoiding euphemisms.

FAQs

What does "be frank" mean?

"Be frank" means to speak openly, honestly, and directly, without holding back your thoughts or feelings. It implies a desire for clear and truthful communication.

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

You can use "be frank" to introduce a statement or question that requires honesty and directness, such as, "Let me "be frank", I'm not sure this plan will work" or "Can I "be frank" with you about my concerns?"

What are some alternatives to "be frank"?

Some alternatives to "be frank" include "speak candidly", "be honest", "be upfront", or "tell it like it is", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "be frank" considered formal or informal?

"Be frank" falls somewhere in the middle, leaning towards neutral. It can be used in professional or personal settings where directness is valued, but it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly blunt. More informal options include "get real".