bluntly

USAGE SUMMARY

"bluntly" is a word that is used in written English and it can be used to emphasize a direct, straightforward manner of speaking or writing.
Example: I will bluntly tell you that your idea is not going to work.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One donor put it to them rather bluntly, accepting that there weren't "many votes" in the cut (indeed, half of all Tory voters opposed reducing the top rate).

The Guardian - Opinion

So one of our concerns was what many politely call 'climate justice' but can be put more bluntly as the easy privilege of the developed world in calling for an end to fossil fuel use after we have used them for centuries to ensure the supply of our basic needs and power our economic growth.

The Guardian

Natalie Starkey, 19, from Coventry, puts it bluntly: "Housing worries people.

The Guardian - Business

Unveiling his campaign team yesterday, he said bluntly: "I want to apologise because twice Scots have said they didn't think we were good enough to govern… We didn't listen to them".

The Guardian - Opinion

Gilroy's bluntly satirical view of journalists compromising not just professional integrity but the law itself, in the name of finishing first, marks a juncture where things could either get more honourable or far, far worse.

The Guardian - Film

Liverpool were 5-0 down at half-time, utterly humiliated at the hands of a rampaging Stoke City, and, to put it bluntly, these are the sort of performances that see clubs and managers part company.

The Guardian - Sport

Bluntly, we did not have to do our reporting from London.

The Guardian

To put it bluntly, we are heading for a society that is comprehensively surveilled.

The Guardian - Tech

In a trail for tonight's interview with Jeremy Paxman, Mr Blair is clearly seen squirming when the Newsnight presenter bluntly asks him if it is okay to accept money from a pornography publisher.

The Guardian

Salmond has bluntly rejected calls for the Electoral Commission to be brought in: his opponents are already beginning to get restless for an answer to those questions.

The Guardian

Put bluntly, St Kilda found it near impossible to kick goals against North Melbourne last weekend and the Dockers will apply the clamps even tighter.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bluntly" when you want to communicate directly and without softening the message. Be mindful of your audience and the potential impact of your directness.

Common error

While directness is valuable, overusing "bluntly" can make your writing sound harsh or aggressive. Vary your language with softer alternatives like "frankly" or "directly" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "bluntly" primarily functions to modify verbs, adverbs, or adjectives, indicating a direct, straightforward, and often unreserved manner of expression. It emphasizes the lack of softening or evasion in a statement. Ludwig examples show it qualifying verbs like "said" or phrases like "to put it" to highlight directness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bluntly" functions as an adverb used to emphasize directness and a lack of softening in communication. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct. It is very common, particularly in news and formal business contexts, but its usage requires careful consideration of the audience and situation to avoid sounding overly harsh. Related phrases like "frankly speaking" or "to be frank" offer alternative ways to express honesty with slightly different nuances. Remember to use "bluntly" judiciously to maintain clarity without sacrificing tact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Frankly speaking

Adds an element of personal perspective and sincerity.

To be frank

Direct and straightforward, often used to introduce an honest opinion.

In plain language

Emphasizes clarity and simplicity, avoiding jargon or euphemisms.

Point blank

Highlights the directness and lack of ambiguity.

Without mincing words

Focuses on the avoidance of polite or indirect language.

To put it simply

Suggests a simplification of a complex issue, rather than harshness.

Straight from the shoulder

Implies honesty and directness, sometimes with a hint of aggression.

Candidly

Highlights the honesty and sincerity of the statement.

In no uncertain terms

Emphasizes the clarity and decisiveness of the communication.

To call a spade a spade

Uses an idiom to highlight the act of speaking plainly and truthfully, even if it's unpleasant.

FAQs

How can I use "bluntly" in a sentence?

You can use "bluntly" to modify a verb, indicating that an action or statement is made directly and without attempt to soften the impact. For example, "He "bluntly refused" the offer".

What are some synonyms for "bluntly"?

Alternatives to "bluntly" include "frankly", "directly", "candidly", and "point blank". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "bluntly"?

Yes, using "bluntly" can be inappropriate in situations where tact and sensitivity are required. It's best to avoid using "bluntly" when delivering bad news or when addressing sensitive topics.

What is the difference between "bluntly" and "honestly"?

While both "bluntly" and "honestly" suggest truthfulness, "bluntly" emphasizes the directness and potentially harsh nature of the communication, whereas "honestly" focuses on the sincerity and integrity of the statement.