but frankly

USAGE SUMMARY

"but frankly" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It is often used to introduce an opinion or an honest assessment of a situation. For example, "I'm generally a fan of his work, but frankly, I thought the latest movie was a bit dull."

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But, frankly, it's awesome.

The New York Times

But, frankly, they're expensive.

The New York Times

"But frankly, there are too many.

The New Yorker

But frankly I knew one thing.

The New York Times

I try, but frankly, I often fail.

The New Yorker

But frankly, we knew that.

The Washington Post

But frankly, she's not optimistic.

The New York Times

"But frankly, I don't care.

The New Yorker

"But frankly, that's just BS.

The Guardian

But, frankly, I don't feel like it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But frankly that's not what motivates him.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but frankly" to introduce a direct or somewhat critical statement following a more general observation or concession. This helps to soften the impact of the frank assessment.

Common error

Avoid overuse in formal or academic writing. While acceptable, frequent use can make your writing seem less objective or too informal. Opt for more neutral phrases like "however" or "nevertheless" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but frankly" functions as a discourse marker or conjunctive adverb. It connects a previous statement with a more direct, often honest or critical, assessment. Ludwig AI highlights its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but frankly" is a commonly used phrase that serves to introduce a direct or honest opinion, often in contrast to a preceding statement. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. While widely used across various contexts, including News & Media and Academia, it's important to consider the formality of the writing. Remember to use it strategically to add emphasis to your points, but avoid overuse, particularly in formal settings. Consider related phrases like "to be honest" or "candidly speaking" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite frankly

Very similar to "but frankly", but without the preceding conjunction.

to be honest

This alternative is more direct and focuses on truthfulness.

in all honesty

Similar to 'to be honest', this option adds a layer of sincerity.

candidly speaking

This is slightly more formal and emphasizes straightforwardness.

to tell you the truth

This alternative highlights the speaker's intention to reveal something genuinely.

truthfully

A concise way to indicate honesty in the following statement.

in my honest opinion

This phrase explicitly frames the statement as the speaker's personal view.

if I'm being honest

Acknowledges the speaker's subjective viewpoint and honesty.

to put it bluntly

Emphasizes the direct and possibly harsh nature of the statement.

let's be honest

Invites the listener to agree on a candid assessment.

FAQs

How can I use "but frankly" in a sentence?

Use "but frankly" to introduce a candid or honest opinion, often contrasting with a previous statement. For instance, "I appreciate their effort, but frankly, the results are disappointing."

What are some alternatives to "but frankly"?

You can use alternatives like "to be honest", "in all honesty", or "candidly speaking", depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "but frankly"?

While grammatically acceptable, starting a sentence directly with "but frankly" might sound abrupt. It's often smoother to connect it to a preceding clause for better flow. For example, "I understand the challenges, but frankly, more could have been done."

What's the difference between "but frankly" and "however"?

"But frankly" introduces a more direct and often critical opinion, while "however" is a more neutral way to present a contrasting point. Use "but frankly" when you want to emphasize the honesty of your assessment.