be open with

USAGE SUMMARY

"be open with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to be honest and transparent with someone about your thoughts, feelings, or actions. Example: "In order for our relationship to work, we need to be open with each other about our past experiences and future expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be open with people.

The New Yorker

So, ministers, be open with us.

The Guardian - Opinion

Allow space for your staff to be open with you.

The Guardian

And I want to be open with you.

The New York Times

So we need to be open with each other.

The New York Times

Be open with your child about their adoption from the start.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He was able to be open with his mother about his homosexuality, but Grandma never knew.

The New York Times - Books

And, of course, couples will need to be open with their employers, giving them proper notice".

The Guardian - Money

It's really important to have someone you can trust and be open with," she said.

The Guardian

He urged the university to be open with the data that was being requested.

The Guardian

It's taken me a while to be open with others about how we met.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In personal relationships, use "be open with" to foster deeper connections through shared experiences and vulnerabilities.

Common error

Avoid confusing "be open with" someone with oversharing personal details that are inappropriate or irrelevant to the context. Maintain professional boundaries and respect the other person's comfort level.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be open with" primarily functions as a directive or advice, urging someone to adopt a posture of honesty and transparency in their interactions. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

24%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be open with" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to advocate for honesty and transparency. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and usability. It's particularly prevalent in News & Media and Wiki sources and serves to foster trust and clear communication. When using the phrase, consider the context to avoid oversharing. Alternatives include ""be transparent with"" and ""be candid with"". Ultimately, "be open with" encourages stronger relationships built on mutual respect and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be transparent with

Emphasizes clarity and honesty in communication.

be candid with

Highlights directness and frankness.

be honest with

Focuses on truthfulness and integrity.

share openly with

Highlights the act of sharing information freely.

communicate frankly with

Emphasizes direct and unambiguous communication.

disclose fully to

Stresses complete revelation of information.

reveal honestly to

Highlights the revealing of information in a truthful manner.

be forthcoming with

Suggests a willingness to provide information readily.

keep no secrets from

Highlights the absence of hidden information.

make no bones about

Suggests speaking plainly and directly without hesitation.

FAQs

How can I use "be open with" in a sentence?

You can use "be open with" to encourage honesty and transparency in communication. For instance, "It's important to "be open with" your team about project updates" or "I try to "be open with" my family about my feelings."

What are some alternatives to "be open with"?

Alternatives to "be open with" include "be transparent with", "be candid with", or "be honest with depending" on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to "be open with" others?

While honesty is generally valued, it's important to consider context and boundaries. Oversharing or being too forthcoming can be inappropriate. Strive for transparency while respecting personal and professional boundaries.

What's the difference between "be open with" and "share openly with"?

"Be open with" emphasizes honesty and transparency, while "share openly with" highlights the act of freely sharing information. The choice depends on whether you want to stress truthfulness or the act of disclosure.