blunt reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "blunt reply" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a response that is direct and without sugarcoating or tact. Example: After her co-worker made a snarky comment about her, Sara gave a blunt reply, "I don't appreciate your attitude, please stop."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"No, you're not," comes the blunt reply.

The New York Times

The professor's blunt reply still echoes.

The New York Times

"That's not how it works," comes the blunt reply.

The Guardian

Mr. Clegg accepted the explanation but had a blunt reply of his own.

The New York Times

The blunt reply to any suggestion of Scottish progress lies in the final group standings.

The Guardian - Sport

By no means an expert myself (we're only human), here are seven of the most common errors students grapple with, and how to best avoid them: 1) Your vs You're The classic and unforgivable spelling mistake that could result in an instant disappointed head-shake, or worse, a blunt reply on social media from a bloke in Ohio judging your intellectual ability.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Mark Ramprakash might be softly spoken but England's Test match batting coach is a fluid talker who reduces his answers to blunt replies only when asked about the imminent tour of Bangladesh.

The Guardian - Sport

Blunt's reply was indignant.

The Guardian - Music

Kissinger, equally, was fairly blunt in reply.

The New York Times

The blunt answer?

The New York Times

Jeter, whose ability to simplify things is among his greatest assets, gave Teixeira a blunt and prescient reply: "We've got pitching".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "blunt reply" with context to highlight its impact. For instance, "His blunt reply shocked the audience" clarifies the effect of the directness.

Common error

Avoid using "blunt reply" in situations requiring diplomacy or sensitivity. In formal or professional contexts, consider softer alternatives such as "direct answer" or "frank response" to maintain a respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blunt reply" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective 'blunt' modifies the noun 'reply'. It describes a specific type of response characterized by its directness and lack of subtlety. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts to describe the nature of a given answer.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "blunt reply" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a response that is direct and without tact. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, emphasizing the candid and straightforward nature of the answer. While effective for highlighting honesty, it should be used judiciously in formal settings where diplomacy is valued. Alternatives such as "direct answer" or "frank response" may be more suitable in those situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frank response

Highlights the honesty and candor of the reply, potentially implying a lack of concern for diplomacy.

direct answer

Emphasizes straightforwardness and lack of evasion in the response.

candid answer

Suggests an honest and sincere reply, possibly revealing something previously unstated.

forthright reply

Indicates a direct and unambiguous response, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

straightforward response

Highlights the simplicity and clarity of the answer, avoiding unnecessary complexity.

honest answer

Focuses on the truthfulness of the reply, even if it might be unpleasant.

unequivocal response

Stresses the decisiveness and lack of ambiguity in the reply.

plain answer

Emphasizes the simplicity and lack of embellishment in the response.

matter-of-fact answer

Suggests a practical and unemotional response, devoid of sentimentality.

unvarnished response

Highlights the lack of embellishment or softening in the reply, revealing the truth as it is.

FAQs

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

You can use "blunt reply" to describe a direct and often curt response. For example, "Her request was met with a "blunt reply": 'That's not going to happen'."

What's the difference between "blunt reply" and "honest answer"?

"Blunt reply" emphasizes the directness and lack of tact in a response, while "honest answer" focuses on the truthfulness, even if unpleasant. A "blunt reply" can be honest, but it's characterized more by its delivery than its veracity.

What can I say instead of "blunt reply"?

You can use alternatives like "direct answer", "frank response", or "candid answer" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "blunt reply" appropriate for formal communication?

While "blunt reply" is grammatically correct, it might be too informal or harsh for formal settings. Consider using more tactful alternatives like "forthright response" or "straightforward response" in professional contexts.