candidly

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "candidly" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it as an adverb meaning "openly and directly", to indicate that the speaker is speaking openly and honestly about a particular matter. For example, "Candidly, I was not expecting such a favorable outcome".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or perhaps he's unwilling to speak candidly in front of his wife, or afraid to rouse the Cerberus of his unconscious mind.

The Guardian

As he noted candidly in the session, "entertainment is part of the political function.

The Guardian - Books

Props to film industry writer Scott Feinberg, who has once again commandeered a fascinating series of articles where Academy members candidly reveal their thinking behind their Oscar votes – in all its woolliness.

The Guardian - Film

Tsiolkas candidly admitted that he is caught between admiring that attitude and the stoicism and camaraderie of the men of his father's generation, and his writing comes from that contradiction.

The Guardian - Books

It is contradicted by her own testimony, it is contradicted by Mr. Feyrer's testimony, it's contradicted by the most recent adaptive management plan review, it's contradicted by the prior studies, it is — candidly, I've never seen anything like it".

The New York Times

"CANDIDLY, we go after the cool kids," confessed Mike Jeffries, the boss of Abercrombie & Fitch, a teenage-fashion retailer, adding, "Are we exclusionary?

The Economist

(Sir John can make exceptions if there are pressing security concerns or if witnesses feel unable to speak candidly in public).

The Economist

This peculiar sensitivity means that mainstream French politicians cannot candidly discuss the future.

The Economist

One of the two men charged, Winston Blackmore, the former "bishop" of the community, who has had 26 wives and 108 children, spoke candidly about polygamy in a television interview in 2006.The police first investigated Bountiful in 1991.

The Economist

He began to encourage debate, setting up a publishing house for defence books and inviting Europeans and Americans to talk candidly together about what was worth fighting and dying for.

The Economist

He muses openly about the effect of a presidential run on his family life, and his wife candidly admits that she is reluctant.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "candidly", ensure the context aligns with your intended tone. It's suitable for situations where you want to be perceived as sincere and forthright, but avoid using it sarcastically, as it can create confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "candidly" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. While it conveys honesty, overuse can make your tone seem overly familiar or informal. Consider alternatives like "frankly" or "honestly" to maintain a professional distance.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "candidly" functions primarily to modify verbs and clauses, indicating the manner in which an action is performed or a statement is made. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies openness and directness. For instance, "He candidly admitted that he would have preferred Oskar Lafontaine, a mercurial leftist, to Mr Schröder as chancellor."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "candidly" is a powerful tool for conveying honesty and directness in your writing and speech. As Ludwig AI points out, it’s grammatically correct and frequently used. Its primary function is to modify verbs and clauses, indicating the manner in which something is done or said. It is most often found in news and media contexts, as well as in encyclopedias. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider your audience and context to ensure it aligns with your intended tone. Use it to establish trust and transparency, but avoid overuse to maintain professionalism. Remember that alternatives like "frankly" and "honestly" can be suitable substitutions in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frankly speaking

Adds a direct and personal tone, often used to introduce an honest opinion.

to be honest

A common idiom that prefaces a truthful statement, sometimes implying a prior lack of complete honesty.

in all honesty

Emphasizes the sincerity and truthfulness of the statement being made.

truthfully

Directly indicates that the statement is aligned with reality and facts.

openly

Focuses on the lack of concealment or reservation in expressing something.

sincerely

Highlights the genuine and heartfelt nature of the communication.

in my honest opinion

Clearly signals that a personal, unbiased view is being shared.

to tell the truth

A straightforward expression used to emphasize that what follows is accurate and factual.

without reservation

Indicates a complete lack of hesitation or doubt in expressing something.

in plain language

Emphasizes the use of clear, straightforward terms without ambiguity or embellishment.

FAQs

How can I use "candidly" in a sentence?

Use "candidly" to introduce a statement that is honest and direct, often revealing something unexpected. For example, "Candidly, I was wrong".

What are some alternatives to "candidly"?

You can use alternatives such as "frankly", "honestly", or "to be honest" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "candidly" in formal writing?

While "candidly" is generally acceptable, consider the overall tone and audience. In highly formal contexts, alternatives like "frankly" or "honestly" might be more suitable.

What does "candidly" mean?

"Candidly" means in an honest and straightforward manner. It indicates that the speaker is being open and direct, without holding back or being evasive.