being completely honest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being completely honest" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express sincerity or truthfulness in your statement. Example: "Being completely honest, I think we need to reconsider our approach to this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm being completely honest.

The New Yorker

(Higher-end, if I'm being completely honest).

The New York Times

"She was being completely honest," he says.

The New York Times

Being completely honest, I do not.

The New York Times - Arts

That is me being completely honest with you".

The Guardian

Girls, too — if I was being completely honest.

The New Yorker

"The only way I can do it is by being completely honest.

Independent

"If I'm being completely honest I want to play for England.

Independent

Only 17% in the SurveyUSA survey thought that Lance was being completely honest with Oprah.

The Guardian - Opinion

"What comes first, being completely honest, or being unelectable?" "Well, I actually would treat those two candidates separately," Huffington said.

The New Yorker

It's such good research that they're being completely honest about what they do know and what they don't know.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being completely honest", ensure that your subsequent statement aligns with the tone and expectation set by the phrase. Avoid using it as a mere filler; make sure it genuinely introduces an honest and sincere sentiment.

Common error

Avoid using "being completely honest" too frequently in your writing or speech, as it can diminish its impact and make you sound insincere. Instead, vary your language with other expressions of honesty, such as "to be frank" or "in all honesty".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "being completely honest" is to act as an introductory phrase. It modifies the subsequent clause by signaling the speaker's intention to express themselves with sincerity and truthfulness. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's use in various contexts to emphasize the speaker's genuineness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "being completely honest" is a common and grammatically correct way to express sincerity. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals that it is predominantly used in News & Media, serving as an introductory phrase to signal forthcoming truthfulness. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously to maintain its impact. Alternatives such as "to be frank" or "in all honesty" can offer variation. Ludwig highlights that this phrase functions to build trust and soften potentially difficult news, making it a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if I'm honest

This version is a shorter, more casual way of conveying honesty.

to be honest with you

This option emphasizes directness and personal communication.

in all honesty

This option is a slightly more formal and concise way to express the same sentiment.

honestly speaking

This alternative is similar in tone but places greater emphasis on the act of speaking honestly.

to be perfectly frank

This alternative is more direct and potentially less gentle than the original phrase.

truthfully

This option is a single-word adverb that succinctly conveys honesty.

to tell you the truth

This phrase adds a personal touch, implying a revelation of previously unstated feelings.

in my honest opinion

This phrase emphasizes the subjective nature of the statement, focusing on personal belief.

in all sincerity

This suggests a deep and genuine honesty, emphasizing the speaker's earnestness.

candidly speaking

This alternative is more formal and suggests a willingness to be open, even if unpopular.

FAQs

What does "being completely honest" mean?

The phrase "being completely honest" means expressing oneself with absolute sincerity and truthfulness, without holding back or concealing any part of one's thoughts or feelings.

What can I say instead of "being completely honest"?

You can use alternatives like "to be frank", "in all honesty", or "to tell you the truth" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "being completely honest"?

It is appropriate to use "being completely honest" when you want to emphasize the sincerity of your statement, especially when delivering potentially difficult or sensitive information. It can also be used to preface a personal opinion or feeling.

Is there a difference between "being completely honest" and "being honest"?

While both phrases convey truthfulness, "being completely honest" emphasizes a greater degree of sincerity and openness. It suggests that you are revealing the full truth, without any reservations, compared to simply "being honest", which may imply a more general sense of truthfulness.