candid observation

USAGE SUMMARY

"candid observation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a straightforward opinion or assessment without mincing words. For example, "His candid observation of the situation was that there was nothing that could be done to salvage the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He made the candid observation that his own discomfort reflected the industry's discomfort.

The New Yorker

But Sir Mark added this candid observation: "I learned during the war that if you pay people well and the work's exciting they'll work on anything.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's a collection of candid observations drawn from her time spent immersed in the bustle of Lagos.

The Guardian - Music

But the fascination of this documentary is the light it throws on Nureyev's life and career before his escape, through candid observations by close friends as well as colleagues in Nureyev's youthful Leningrad years.

The New York Times - Arts

As Marilyn, Madonna and Twiggy slide across the screen, his candid observations on those he has held in his lens and his bed are uncomfortable at best and distasteful at worst.

The New York Times

Tall, ebullient and outspoken, Dr. Luns was known for shaking up fusty meetings with candid observations, even as he set about the serious business of negotiating the future of Berlin and paving the way for self-rule in the former Dutch colony of New Guinea four decades ago.

The New York Times

I recall an old college buddy's candid observations of 10 years ago.

Huffington Post

Though all of our writers shared candid observations and raw emotions, I was heartened by the feeling in the room at program's end.

Huffington Post

"If we're in the position where he's calling us names and we're talking about things that matter to people, that's a good place for us," said the aide, speaking anonymously in order to offer candid observations. .

Huffington Post

Providers were asked to compare campaign settings to other testing settings, in order to encourage them to make candid observations and help researchers understand the context of their statements.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Of the four speeches, Fink's was the longest and the most candid, offering observations on fascism, environmentalism, and the application of business marketing principles to the Koch brothers' political messaging.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "candid observation" when you want to emphasize that a statement is honest and straightforward, even if it might be uncomfortable for some to hear.

Common error

While "candid observation" is appropriate in many situations, avoid using it too frequently in your writing. Variety in phrasing will make your text more engaging. Consider alternatives like "frank assessment" or "honest remark".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "candid observation" functions as a noun phrase, where "candid" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "observation". It describes a particular kind of observation characterized by honesty and directness. As Ludwig AI points out, it expresses a straightforward opinion or assessment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "candid observation" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe an honest and straightforward assessment. As Ludwig AI notes, it is suitable for expressing opinions directly. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider synonyms such as "frank assessment" or "honest remark" for variety. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, but also appears in scientific and business contexts. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for a wide range of writing situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

candid remark

Similar to the original but uses a different noun.

frank assessment

Emphasizes a straightforward and honest evaluation.

honest remark

Focuses on the sincerity and truthfulness of the statement.

open commentary

Highlights the transparency and lack of hidden agendas in the expressed view.

forthright opinion

Indicates a direct and unambiguous expression of one's belief.

unreserved view

Suggests a perspective shared without hesitation or reservation.

blunt statement

Implies a direct, perhaps even harsh, expression of a fact or opinion.

sincere thought

Highlights the genuineness and depth of the reflection shared.

straightforward analysis

Focuses on an uncomplicated and clear examination of a subject.

unvarnished truth

Emphasizes the pure, unedited nature of the information presented.

FAQs

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

You can use "candid observation" to describe someone's honest and straightforward opinion. For example, "His "candid observation" about the company's performance was not well-received by the executives."

What is a good synonym for "candid observation"?

Alternatives to "candid observation" include "frank assessment", "honest remark", or "forthright opinion". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "candid observation" formal or informal?

"Candid observation" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "unreserved view" or "straightforward analysis" to avoid sounding too blunt.

What does "candid" mean in the context of "candid observation"?

In this context, "candid" means truthful and straightforward. A "candid observation" is one that is honest and not intended to hide or sugarcoat the truth, similar to "unvarnished truth".