candidly said

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "candidly said" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to convey that someone spoke honestly and openly about a topic. Example: "During the meeting, she candidly said that the project was behind schedule and needed more resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Then he very candidly said, "I'm not interested", and walked to the door.

The Guardian

A manufacturer of samplers, Rakesh Agarwal of Envirotech, candidly said: "There was a 100% difference in readings".

The Guardian

That is why it was so important that Mr. Obama candidly said the United States is not free of this conflict; American troops will see more bloodshed.

The New York Times

After Sampras unearthed a historic comeback to win his 13th major title, Rafter candidly said he choked.

The New York Times - Sports

In an industry survey, a majority of technology companies candidly said they would not hire anyone over 40.

The New York Times

Another senior Israeli official, speaking on the condition of anonymity so he could talk candidly, said of Mr. Abbas: "He cannot even visit his own territory in Gaza.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

It candidly says that when under stress, girls may end up "drinking, smoking or doing drugs".

The New York Times

They can speak candidly, says Mr Davignon, without worrying how their words might play in tomorrow's headlines.

The Economist

She and her father candidly say that it is too soon to know whether Elena has made the right decision, or even the final decision, about her athletic career.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is a conflict of interest," he candidly says.

Forbes

In the memo he also candidly says that if KashFlow was to find "the right company with the right people" as an investor, stepping down as CEO is also a possibility.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "candidly said" when you want to emphasize the speaker's honesty and directness, particularly when revealing something that might be sensitive or unexpected.

Common error

While "candidly said" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make the tone too informal. Consider alternatives like "stated frankly" or "expressed openly" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

"Candidly said" primarily functions as a reporting verb phrase. It introduces a statement, emphasizing the speaker's honesty and forthrightness. Ludwig shows that it's often used when relaying information that might be sensitive or unexpected.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "candidly said" is a common and acceptable phrase used to introduce a statement made with honesty and directness. Ludwig's examples showcase its prevalence in news and media, where it adds credibility to reported speech. While grammatically sound, be mindful of the register and consider more formal alternatives in academic writing. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is valid and offers "frankly stated" or "openly expressed" as alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frankly stated

Replaces "candidly" with "frankly", suggesting a straightforward and honest declaration.

openly admitted

Emphasizes the act of admitting something honestly and without reservation.

honestly expressed

Focuses on the sincerity and truthfulness of the statement.

plainly asserted

Suggests a clear and direct statement, leaving no room for ambiguity.

directly conveyed

Highlights the directness and lack of hesitation in the communication.

truthfully remarked

Underscores the veracity and accuracy of the comment.

bluntly declared

Implies a forceful and possibly tactless expression of opinion.

forthrightly mentioned

Suggests a straightforward and honest mentioning of a fact or opinion.

sincerely shared

Highlights the genuine and heartfelt nature of the communication.

in all honesty, said

Adds an introductory phrase to emphasize the honesty of the statement.

FAQs

How can I use "candidly said" in a sentence?

"Candidly said" is used to indicate that someone has spoken honestly and directly. For example, "The CEO "candidly said" that the company faced significant challenges ahead."

What are some alternatives to "candidly said"?

Alternatives include "frankly stated", "openly admitted", or "honestly expressed". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "candidly said" and "honestly said"?

While similar, "candidly said" often implies a greater degree of openness and possibly a willingness to share something sensitive or unexpected. "Honestly said" simply emphasizes truthfulness.

When is it appropriate to use "candidly said" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight the speaker's directness and honesty, especially if they are revealing something that might be surprising or controversial. It is suitable for news articles, interviews, and less formal business communications.