bluntly tell

USAGE SUMMARY

"bluntly tell" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you are saying something in a direct manner, with no hesitation or beating around the bush. For example: "I had to bluntly tell him that he wasn't getting a raise this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But she could also bluntly tell one client to remove a row of azaleas because "it looks like motel planting".

The New York Times

Richter will not publicly counsel Lindros to retire, any more than any athlete would bluntly tell Pat LaFontaine of the Rangers or Troy Aikman of the Dallas Cowboys to retire, which they both did, with their wits intact.

The New York Times - Sports

These certificates are more common than ever, not least because when they're not incredibly cheap, they're completely free — and most modern browsers these days will bluntly tell you when a website is "not secure".

TechCrunch

But they will need help from constituents willing to bluntly tell them to snap out of it.

Huffington Post

So next time somebody wants to cry on your shoulder, bluntly tell them.

WikiHow

So next time somebody wants to cry on your shoulder, bluntly tell them people.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

As Guo bluntly told me, "You are facing transformation, too".

The New York Times - Magazine

We used to complain to the commanding officer who bluntly told us to piss off.

Independent

But one potential employer bluntly told him the opening was only for Cypriots.

Independent

Ain't we playing football?" Sometimes he bluntly told Harris: "Don't expect life to be fair.

The New York Times - Sports

He bluntly told Ziaudin that the crisis demanded that they serve as agents of change.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bluntly tell" when you want to emphasize the directness and lack of hesitation in delivering a message, especially when the message might be unwelcome or difficult to hear.

Common error

Be mindful of the context and audience. While "bluntly tell" emphasizes directness, ensure your message doesn't come across as unnecessarily rude or insensitive. Balance honesty with tact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bluntly tell" functions as a verb phrase, modifying the verb "tell" with the adverb "bluntly". It emphasizes the manner in which information is conveyed. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bluntly tell" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that signifies direct and unhesitating communication. Ludwig confirms its validity. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, reflecting its use in reporting straightforward, sometimes difficult, truths. While appropriate for many contexts, users should be mindful of potential rudeness and consider alternative phrases like "directly inform" or "frankly state" in more formal or sensitive situations. Employ "bluntly tell" when clear and honest communication is paramount, but always balance directness with tact and consideration for the audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Directly inform

Replaces "tell" with "inform", emphasizing the act of conveying information in a straightforward manner.

Frankly state

Uses "frankly" to highlight the honesty and openness of the communication.

Plainly say

Emphasizes the simplicity and clarity of the message, avoiding any ambiguity.

Honestly declare

Highlights the sincerity and truthfulness of the statement.

Candidly reveal

Suggests a willingness to disclose information openly, even if it's sensitive.

Pointedly express

Focuses on the forceful and deliberate nature of the communication.

Forcibly assert

Implies a strong and unwavering conviction in the statement.

Straightforwardly communicate

Replaces "tell" with a more formal "communicate", stressing clarity and directness.

Unequivocally affirm

Highlights the lack of ambiguity or doubt in the statement.

Resolutely announce

Suggests a firm and unwavering declaration of the message.

FAQs

How can I use "bluntly tell" in a sentence?

You can use "bluntly tell" to describe a direct and honest communication, like "I had to "bluntly tell" him that his performance was not up to par".

What are some alternatives to "bluntly tell"?

Alternatives include "frankly state", "directly inform", or "plainly say", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "bluntly tell" appropriate for formal writing?

While "bluntly tell" is grammatically correct, consider the formality of your writing. In some cases, a more tactful phrase like "directly inform" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "bluntly tell" and "honestly tell"?

"Bluntly tell" emphasizes the directness and lack of hesitation in the communication, while "honestly tell" emphasizes the truthfulness of the message.