be straightforward with the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be straightforward with the" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to communicate honestly and directly with a specific person or group. Example: "In your meeting, make sure to be straightforward with the team about the project's challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"This governor should show the fortitude and the guts to be straightforward with the public and say, 'Here's my plan,' " Mr. Amann said.

The New York Times

If the tick were engorged, this would be straightforward with the PCR, as demonstrated in mosquitoes (3, 4 ).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

We will provide the information that proves Steve is innocent.' We were straightforward with the feds.

The New York Times - Sports

The answer is straightforward: with the invention of agriculture in the Middle East 10,000 years ago, the first stores of grain were established.

The Guardian

The process is straightforward, with the total transaction costs for the buyer amounting to about 7.5 percent of the purchase price.

The New York Times

It is clear that, from the beginning, BP has not been straightforward with the government or the American people about the true size of this spill".

The Guardian

During his contract negotiations, Cameron said, he was straightforward with the Dynamo management and Coach Dominic Kinnear about his ambition to play in Europe.

The New York Times

The facts of the Apple case are straightforward: with the blessing of the Irish government, Apple created a byzantine network of subsidiaries to shelter its profits in an entity that was a tax resident of no country.

The Guardian - Opinion

Moreover, Mr. Roosevelt, who because of his Machiavellian proclivities relished playing people off one another, was straightforward with the major figures in his third term, like the Prime Minister Winston Churchill of Britain and the top generals.

The New York Times

Instead of being straightforward with the public, his administration hides behind secrecy and word gymnastics in all facets of its war policy, keeping the number of exact number of troops in the Middle East hidden from the public, and re-defining words like "combat" and "boots on the ground" and "civilians" to mask how much killing is really going on.

The Guardian - Opinion

The statistical treatment of linear Gaussian unobserved components models is straightforward, with the Kalman filter playing a key role.

SERIEs

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving feedback, "be straightforward with the" recipient about specific areas for improvement while also acknowledging their strengths.

Common error

Avoid being brutally honest without tact. While it's good to "be straightforward with the" facts, always deliver information respectfully and consider the other person's feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be straightforward with the" functions as a directive, urging someone to communicate clearly and honestly. As supported by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be straightforward with the" encourages direct and honest communication. While not overly common, Ludwig indicates it's grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts. Alternatives such as ""be direct with"" or ""be honest with"" may be used depending on the specific nuance desired. The key is to balance directness with tact to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be direct with

Focuses on being explicit and unambiguous in communication, omitting "straightforward".

be honest with

Emphasizes truthfulness and sincerity rather than directness in manner.

be upfront with

Highlights being open and candid from the beginning.

be frank with

Suggests a more blunt and possibly less tactful approach.

be candid with

Implies a sincere and impartial honesty.

be plainspoken with

Focuses on using clear and simple language.

be clear with

Highlights the importance of being easily understood.

be open with

Suggests sharing information and feelings freely.

be forthcoming with

Emphasizes a willingness to provide information when asked.

tell it like it is to

Indicates delivering the truth without sugarcoating.

FAQs

What does it mean to "be straightforward with the" truth?

To "be straightforward with the" truth means to communicate facts and information honestly, directly, and without evasion or ambiguity.

What can I say instead of "be straightforward with the"?

You can use alternatives like "be direct with", "be honest with", or "be upfront with" depending on the context.

How can I "be straightforward with the" customer without being rude?

Focus on clear, concise communication. Acknowledge their concerns and provide solutions without sugarcoating the situation. Always maintain a polite and professional tone.

Is it always appropriate to "be straightforward with the" information?

While honesty is generally valued, consider the context and potential impact. Sometimes, tact and sensitivity are necessary, especially when dealing with delicate or personal matters. There are situations where a gentle approach might be more effective than absolute directness.