blunt sentence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "blunt sentence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sentence that is straightforward, direct, and lacks subtlety or nuance. Example: "His response was a blunt sentence that left no room for interpretation: 'I don't want to go.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In one particularly blunt sentence, the report said that while it recognized the "tremendous effort" Pakistan was making against some insurgents inside its country, "insurgent safe havens along the border will remain the primary problem to achieving a secure and stable Afghanistan".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Those last three blunt sentences have the harsh force of the winds Didion is describing.

The New York Times

In the interview with Fest, Arendt summarizes the substance of "Eichmann in Jerusalem" in a few blunt sentences: "He doesn't actually have any criminal motives ….

The New Yorker

Paulson's account is replete with blunt sentences ("I'm a straightforward person"; "I'm a hands-on manager"), as one might expect of a plain-spoken former Eagle Scout.

The New York Times

Goldwater set aside the speech he had and let Jaffa compose a new one, much of it lifted from his memo, including two blunt sentences: "I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice.

The New Yorker

But this much is clear: What Obama's speechifying lacks in short, blunt declarative sentences must now be made up for by its diplomatic equivalent.

The New York Times

Snyder's book, by making an original account of the period in copious detail laid out in sombrely blunt declarative sentences, should expand these three faculties in anyone who engages its grim but lucid exposition.

The New Yorker

I said, 'Boy, is this terrible!'" Gates has a tendency to talk about the horrors and injustices of the developing world just as he talks about the computer business: in blunt, jerky sentences, his nasal voice flat or leaping, his manner without much natural warmth or charm.

The Guardian

Kept the sentences blunt and short?

The Guardian - Books

The film is an overly polite take on a spiky, claustrophobic, insistently impolite novel, but this wouldn't be such an issue if Ms. Coixet had the cinematic language that could withstand, equal, obliterate or transcend the book's blunt force, its beautiful sentences, flashes of genius and spleen.

The New York Times

The appeal court ruling from Sir Igor Judge will blunt the impact of new sentencing guidelines for magistrates, which come into effect on August 4, and suggest that a fine or community order may be appropriate for some adult offenders guilty of carrying a knife, as long as the blade was not being used to threaten or frighten anyone.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "blunt sentence" when you want to emphasize the directness and lack of subtlety in a statement. It's effective when you need to convey a point clearly and without ambiguity.

Common error

While a "blunt sentence" can be effective for clarity, avoid using it in situations requiring tact or empathy. Its directness can be perceived as insensitive or rude if not carefully considered.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "blunt sentence" is to act as a noun phrase, where "blunt" modifies the noun "sentence". This phrase typically functions as a subject, object, or complement within a larger sentence. Ludwig AI validates this usage through examples in news and media.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "blunt sentence" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a statement characterized by its directness and lack of subtlety. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, its relative infrequency suggests it's not an everyday expression but one used intentionally to highlight a particular communication style. The phrase finds its primary usage in news and media, further establishing its appropriateness for objective and clear reporting. When writing, be mindful of the context, ensuring that the directness implied by a "blunt sentence" is suitable for the intended audience and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

direct statement

Replaces "sentence" with "statement" to emphasize the explicit nature of the communication.

straightforward remark

Substitutes both "blunt" and "sentence" to convey a similar meaning with different terms.

candid assertion

Emphasizes the honesty and directness of the statement.

frank declaration

Highlights the openness and lack of reservation in the sentence.

unvarnished truth

Shifts from the sentence itself to the content, emphasizing the raw honesty.

forthright pronouncement

Focuses on the clear and decisive nature of the sentence.

plainspoken sentence

Highlights the simplicity and lack of embellishment in the sentence.

unflinching statement

Emphasizes the steadfast and unwavering nature of the sentence.

matter-of-fact sentence

Highlights the unemotional and objective nature of the sentence.

no-nonsense sentence

Indicates a practical and efficient communication style, devoid of unnecessary complexity.

FAQs

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

You can use "blunt sentence" to describe a statement that is direct and without nuance, such as, "Her response was a "blunt sentence" that left no room for interpretation."

What does "blunt sentence" mean?

"Blunt sentence" refers to a statement that is straightforward, direct, and lacks subtlety. It conveys a message clearly and without trying to soften the impact.

Which is a better phrase to use, "blunt sentence" or "direct statement"?

Both "blunt sentence" and "direct statement" are valid. "Blunt sentence" emphasizes the lack of nuance, while "direct statement" simply highlights the clarity and explicitness of the message.

What's the difference between a "blunt sentence" and an "honest opinion"?

A "blunt sentence" refers to the manner of expression—direct and without subtlety. An "honest opinion" refers to the content of the statement—a sincere belief or viewpoint.