candid question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "candid question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to ask a question that is honest, straightforward, and without pretense. Example: "I appreciate your openness, so I hope you don't mind if I ask a candid question about your decision-making process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

To take off the veil, as some women have done, is to ask the candid question of what it means to be a Muslim woman today.

The New York Times

What followed was a candid question and answer session with Dr. Paul Farmer, Kolokotrones University Professor, Harvard University and Dr. Jim Yong Kim, President of the World Bank Group moderated by George Q.

Harvard University

This candid question, presented to the presidential hopefuls, is off the beat-and path of the questions posed in the two previous debates.

Huffington Post

After I felt comfortable enough to step forward with a naïve and candid question, I asked my new friend to engage with me in a hypothetical: What if I, as an outsider, wanted to move into his village?

HuffPost

The question posed by ABC's George Stefanopolous "is not whether elites should rule, but which elite should rule?" It's a candid question that reflects the disillusioned reality of the looming American election.

Huffington Post

Appearing on "The Late Show" Monday, the freshman lawmaker was asked a candid question about the shutdown by Stephen Colbert. "What the heck is that like?" Ocasio-Cortez noted that there have been some headaches as newly elected lawmakers such as herself haven't been able to situate themselves.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

You have to ask yourself a few candid questions about what you consider essential, whether it's a decent car or a nice place to live or enough financial security to keep anxiety at bay.

The New York Times - Style

What candid questions will be raised?

Science Magazine

Answers to the "candid" questions you're asked by prospective peers often make it back to the hiring manager.

Science Magazine

The moral of the story is that asking direct, blunt and candid questions allows you to customize elements of your company to attract and retain tech talent.

Forbes

Ruby Matthews told her followers all about her unhealthy lifestyle, which consisted of cocaine and cigarettes, in a candid question-and-answer session on Instagram Tuesday.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "candid question", ensure the context supports directness and honesty. It implies a desire for a truthful, unfiltered response.

Common error

Avoid using "candid question" in contexts where diplomacy or sensitivity is paramount. A more tactful approach might be necessary in certain interpersonal dynamics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "candid question" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "candid" modifies the noun "question". It describes the nature of the question being asked. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "candid question" is a grammatically correct and functional expression used to describe a question posed with honesty and directness. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in various contexts. While not exceedingly common, it appears more frequently in news media and academic settings, suggesting a neutral to professional register. When employing this phrase, consider whether a direct approach aligns with the situation's sensitivity. Alternatives such as "frank inquiry" or "direct question" can be considered depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frank inquiry

Replaces 'question' with 'inquiry', emphasizing a formal request for information.

honest inquiry

Substitutes 'candid' with 'honest', highlighting the sincerity of the question.

genuine question

Emphasizes the authenticity and sincerity behind the question.

straightforward question

Emphasizes the direct and uncomplicated nature of the question.

direct question

Focuses on the lack of ambiguity or indirectness in the inquiry.

forthright question

Replaces 'candid' with 'forthright', suggesting a question asked with boldness and honesty.

unvarnished question

Highlights the question's lack of embellishment or softening.

unreserved question

Indicates that the question is asked without any hesitation or limitation.

blunt question

Suggests the question is direct, possibly to the point of being insensitive.

open question

Focuses on the question inviting honest feedback and opinion.

FAQs

What does "candid question" mean?

A "candid question" is a question asked in an honest and straightforward manner, expecting a truthful and unfiltered response.

What can I say instead of "candid question"?

You can use alternatives like "frank inquiry", "direct question", or "honest inquiry" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to ask a "candid question"?

It's appropriate to ask a "candid question" when you need a direct and honest answer and the situation allows for such directness without causing offense or discomfort.

What's the difference between a "candid question" and an "leading question"?

A "candid question" seeks a truthful answer without bias, whereas a leading question prompts or suggests a particular response.