blunt remarks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "blunt remarks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe comments or statements that are straightforward and direct, often lacking tact or subtlety. Example: "Her blunt remarks during the meeting caught everyone off guard, as she didn't hold back her opinions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Obama surprised some in Kenya with his blunt remarks on gender equality and gay rights.

The Guardian

"This is not news for me," he said today of Mr. Putin's blunt remarks in Brussels.

The New York Times

Ms. Bair's blunt remarks have also drawn criticism, since the F.D.I.C.'s record is not pristine.

The New York Times

His 28-year-old wife, on the other hand, oscillated between tears and laughter interspersed with blunt remarks.

The New York Times

Now free to speak her mind, her blunt remarks and prescriptions were just what the central bankers needed to hear.

The New York Times

Mr. Lott's public fall was followed by a series of blunt remarks befitting a man who felt he had little to lose.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

It was a typically blunt remark, delivered between pauses and sighs.

The New York Times

Mr. Cain would later stand by a similarly blunt remark — that the Occupy Wall Street protesters are "jealous" — during an appearance on CBS's "Face the Nation" on Sunday.

The New York Times

What prompted Arthur's blunt remark was a violent and chaotic raid at Guantanamo's communal camp that had taken place 10 days earlier.

Vice

In The Daily Telegraph, Roger Perkins was more blunt, remarking that the "relentless pace and breathless dislocation" of the plot hid "character development that's as deep as dental veneer but equally shiny".

Wikipedia

From outside Afghanistan, the strongest supporter of Mr. Karzai's position has been Kofi Annan, the United Nations secretary general, who made some of his bluntest remarks on the issue today when he addressed the German parliament in Berlin.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "blunt remarks" to convey honesty and clarity, especially when addressing critical issues that require straightforward communication.

Common error

Avoid using "blunt remarks" in situations where diplomacy and empathy are crucial. Overusing this phrase can lead to misunderstandings and damaged relationships. Consider using a more nuanced approach when dealing with personal or emotionally charged topics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blunt remarks" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to statements characterized by their directness and lack of tact. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "blunt remarks" is a noun phrase used to describe statements that are direct and frank, often lacking tact. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media contexts. While the phrase itself carries a neutral register, the appropriateness of its usage depends heavily on the specific context and audience. Alternatives such as "frank comments" or "direct statements" may be more suitable in sensitive situations. As Ludwig AI points out, mastering the art of communication involves choosing the right words to convey your message effectively while maintaining positive relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outspoken comments

Replaces "remarks" with "comments", emphasizing the directness of the statements.

frank observations

Substitutes "blunt" with "frank" and "remarks" with "observations", softening the tone slightly.

direct statements

Uses "direct" instead of "blunt" and "statements" in place of "remarks", focusing on the clarity of the message.

candid assessments

Replaces "blunt" with "candid" and "remarks" with "assessments", suggesting an honest evaluation.

forthright declarations

Uses "forthright" and "declarations" to convey a sense of openness and assertiveness.

unvarnished opinions

Emphasizes the lack of embellishment or sugarcoating in the expressed views.

straightforward comments

Highlights the simplicity and lack of ambiguity in the communication.

unflinching statements

Implies a resolute and unwavering stance in the communicated message.

unreserved pronouncements

Suggests a complete lack of hesitation or constraint in making the statements.

matter-of-fact pronouncements

Indicates a delivery without emotional coloring, focusing on the objective truth.

FAQs

How can I use "blunt remarks" in a sentence?

You can use "blunt remarks" to describe someone's direct and often tactless way of speaking. For example: "Her "blunt remarks" offended some people, but others appreciated her honesty."

What's a less harsh alternative to "blunt remarks"?

If you want to soften the tone, consider using phrases like "frank comments", "direct statements", or "candid assessments", which still convey honesty but with less potential for offense.

Is it always appropriate to make "blunt remarks"?

No, it's not always appropriate. The suitability of "blunt remarks" depends heavily on the context and the audience. In professional or sensitive situations, a more diplomatic approach may be necessary. Consider whether "outspoken comments" or "forthright declarations" are beneficial or detrimental to the situation.

What's the difference between "blunt remarks" and "honest opinions"?

"Blunt remarks" emphasize the directness and potential tactlessness of the statement, while "honest opinions" simply highlight the sincerity of the viewpoint. "Blunt remarks" can be honest, but they are characterized by their lack of subtlety.