be free about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be free about" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It could be used in contexts where you want to encourage someone to express themselves openly or without restraint, but it is better to use more standard expressions. Example: "Feel free about sharing your thoughts during the meeting."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Your first book, published in 2009, was a memoir called "When Skateboards Will Be Free," about your childhood and your relationship with your separated parents, who were committed members of the Socialist Workers Party.

The New Yorker

_Your first book, published in 2009, was a memoir called "When Skateboards Will Be Free," about your childhood and your relationship with your separated parents, who were committed members of the Socialist Workers Party.

The New Yorker

He had no inhibitions about sex, no barriers, and he taught me to... be free about sex and to openly want it and love it".

Huffington Post

With somebody as talented as those guys, it's hard not to go back to them, because they provide you a musical foundation that allows you be free about what you do, because they listen to you, they respond to what you're doing, and they're such strong musical presences that it's a kind of situation that allows you to breathe and to leave space.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"What's free about it?" he said.

The New Yorker

Articles on Comment is free about indigenous peoples seem to compel a particular kind of comment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although most of Mali's domain registrations are free, about 1% of users agree to pay $9.95 a year to own an address.

The Economist

In 2009 Deacon wrote a piece for Comment is Free about knife crime after the Londoner Ben Kinsella was killed the previous year.

The Guardian

3.22pm BST Diane Abbott has written an article for the Guardian's Comment is free about her exchange with Michael Gove in the Commons this afternoon.

The Guardian

Today he opens up on Comment is free about his old job, what caused him to change his mind and the realities of America's criminal justice system.

The Guardian - Opinion

10.29am BST Have your say We have a poll over at Comment is Free about whether giving the EU the Nobel peace prize.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When encouraging someone to share their thoughts or feelings, consider using more common alternatives like "be open about" or "speak freely about" to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on the phrase "be free about" in formal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound awkward or unnatural to some readers. Opt for more conventional expressions to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be free about" functions as a verb phrase encouraging open and uninhibited expression or action. Ludwig AI indicates that while grammatically correct, it is not a commonly used expression. Examples from Ludwig suggest contexts where someone is encouraged to act without restraint.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be free about" is grammatically acceptable but considered rare in contemporary English. Ludwig's analysis indicates it functions to encourage open expression or action, though it may sound awkward to some. For clearer communication, consider alternatives like "be open about" or "speak freely about". While grammatically sound, using these phrases contributes to more natural and professional-sounding writing. The majority of the sources where the phrase is found, according to Ludwig, are news and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be open about

This alternative stresses transparency and honesty in communication.

speak freely about

This alternative directly suggests unrestricted expression.

share your thoughts openly on

This option emphasizes the act of sharing opinions in a transparent manner.

be candid about

Highlights honesty and directness in communication.

feel comfortable discussing

This alternative emphasizes a sense of ease and willingness to talk about something.

be forthcoming about

Implies a willingness to provide information readily and honestly.

express yourself without restraint

This alternative highlights the absence of limitations on self-expression.

have no inhibitions about

This implies a lack of internal restraint or self-consciousness.

don't hesitate to discuss

This suggests encouragement to broach a topic without fear.

feel at liberty to discuss

This alternative suggests that you have been granted permission to speak without limitations.

FAQs

What does "be free about" mean?

The phrase "be free about" means to feel comfortable and uninhibited when expressing oneself or engaging in a particular activity. It encourages openness and a lack of restraint.

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

While the phrase is grammatically acceptable, consider using more common alternatives like "be open about" or "speak freely about" for better clarity.

What are some alternatives to "be free about"?

You can use alternatives such as "feel comfortable discussing", "be candid about", or "express yourself without restraint" depending on the context.

Is "be free about" grammatically correct?

Yes, "be free about" is grammatically correct, but it's less common in contemporary English. Using phrases like "be open about" or "speak freely about" might be more effective for clearer communication.