candid about

USAGE SUMMARY

"candid about" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to be honest and open about something, without holding back or being secretive. Example: John was always candid about his struggles with addiction, sharing his experiences with others to help them in their own recovery journeys.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Henin is candid about what needs improvement.

The New York Times - Sports

Be candid about goals and expectations.

The New York Times

Beachy is candid about Hirschfeld's limitations.

The New Yorker

Lammy is candid about Labour's recent failings.

Independent

Others were unexpectedly candid about their attitudes.

The New York Times

Auriemma has been candid about the chilliness.

The New York Times - Sports

But he was candid about the Devils.

The New York Times - Sports

Sojo was more candid about his feelings.

The New York Times - Sports

She's disarmingly candid about these feelings.

The Guardian - Music

Beamish is candid about her "steals".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Carney was more candid about the possibility.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "candid about", ensure the context makes it clear what you are being honest and open about. Specificity enhances clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "candid about" without specifying what you are being candid about. Vague usage can reduce the impact and leave the reader wondering about the specifics. For example, instead of saying "He was candid about the situation", specify "He was candid about the company's financial struggles".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "candid about" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating the subject's characteristic of being honest and straightforward in their communication. Ludwig examples show its consistent use in describing people's attitudes and expressions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "candid about" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone who is honest and straightforward. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While similar phrases like "forthright regarding" or "open concerning" exist, "candid about" strikes a balance between directness and approachability. Remember to use it with specific context to ensure clarity and avoid overuse. Ludwig's examples clearly show that specifying what someone is being candid about makes the communication much more impactful and clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

straightforward about

Indicates a clear and uncomplicated way of expressing something, similar to being candid.

forthright regarding

Replaces "candid" with "forthright" and "about" with "regarding", suggesting a direct and honest approach to a particular topic.

forthcoming about

Indicates a readiness to provide information or answer questions honestly.

open concerning

Uses "open" instead of "candid" and "concerning" instead of "about", indicating a willingness to share information or feelings.

transparent regarding

Highlights openness and visibility in communication, replacing "candid" with "transparent".

honest with respect to

Emphasizes honesty using the phrase "with respect to" instead of "about", which formalizes the expression.

frank in relation to

Substitutes "frank" for "candid" and "in relation to" for "about", suggesting a direct and unreserved manner in connection with something.

direct regarding

Replaces "candid" with "direct", which highlights clarity and straightforwardness.

vocal about

Emphasizes expressing opinions openly and publicly, differing slightly from simply being candid.

blunt concerning

Suggests a more forceful and less tactful honesty, replacing "candid" with "blunt".

FAQs

How can I use "candid about" in a sentence?

Use "candid about" to describe someone who is honest and straightforward in expressing their views or sharing information. Example: "She was "candid about" her reasons for leaving the company".

What is a more formal way to say "candid about"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "forthright regarding" or "honest with respect to". These options often suit professional or academic contexts.

Is it always appropriate to be "candid about" everything?

While honesty is generally valued, being "candid about" something may not always be appropriate. Consider the context, your audience, and potential consequences before sharing sensitive or personal information. Sometimes, discretion is necessary.

What's the difference between "candid about" and "open about"?

While similar, "candid about" often implies a more direct and potentially blunt honesty, whereas "open about" suggests a willingness to share information without necessarily being forceful. The choice depends on the desired level of directness.