forthright

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'forthright' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that means "direct and outspoken in speech or behavior; candid and straightforward." For example, you could say: "My friend is always extremely forthright when giving advice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is time for straightforward rather than smooth, and forthright not facile.

The Guardian - Opinion

His forthright comments were enthusiastically applauded by participants at the Globsec conference held in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, over the past few days.

The Guardian

Hockney supplies an idiosyncratic commentary, expounding his forthright views on everything from the state of modern art to why crinkled chips are preferable, because there's more surface area.

The Guardian - Arts

Raddatz is an extraordinarily accomplished journalist with prodigious war zone experience, knows the military as well as anyone in the field and has a sterling reputation among colleagues for a lifetime of forthright and courageous reporting.

The Guardian

There's something admirably forthright about Blair's willingness to do this and take the abuse, stubbornly defending his tattered corner from fairweather friends like the Mail and Telegraph, which I seem to remember being gung-ho in support for the war in 2003.

The Guardian

Menezes' remarks, the most forthright so far from the spirits giant, came as an investigation by the Guardian into Scotland's wealth found that more than 80% of its whisky industry is owned by non-Scottish firms.

The Guardian - Business

Seniors Anna Callicoe of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Nicky Palmer of East Canaan, Connecticut, are among those on campus who believe Jones hasn't been forthright about the college's finances.

The Guardian

Pressley's sincerity and forthright nature made him an obvious leader as a player.

The Guardian - Sport

This tweet – which is said to have gone down badly at the tabloid, ironically because it was so unbland and forthright, ie so Mail-like - scored 3,430 retweets and 1,291 favourites, far higher figures than those won by 140-worders offering the usual diet of corporate and programme publicity.

The Guardian

She was very forthright and determined about her views.

The Guardian

But the talks they must launch on Friday are not with each other: those negotiations have been going on in mused asides, broad hints and more forthright assertions ever since the first coalition was agreed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "forthright" when you want to describe someone who is direct and honest, especially in expressing their opinions or beliefs. It suggests a positive attribute of clear and honest communication.

Common error

Avoid using "forthright" to describe someone who is simply being rude or insensitive. While it implies directness, it should also suggest honesty and a lack of hidden agendas, not just bluntness.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "forthright" is as an adjective. It is used to describe a noun, typically a person or their communication, indicating that they are direct, honest, and open in their expression. Ludwig AI confirms this is a common and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "forthright" is a common and grammatically correct adjective that describes someone direct and honest in communication. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage across various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. While similar to "direct", "candid", and "frank", it emphasizes honesty and a lack of hidden agendas. When using "forthright", ensure it reflects genuine honesty rather than simple rudeness, contributing to clear and effective communication. Remember to consider the context and audience when choosing "forthright" as it may not be appropriate in all situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

direct

Simpler term focusing on lack of intermediaries; less emphasis on honesty than "forthright".

candid

Highlights honesty and sincerity but can sometimes imply a lack of tact, unlike "forthright".

frank

Similar to "forthright" but can sometimes imply bluntness or rudeness.

outspoken

Emphasizes boldness in expressing opinions, potentially more assertive than "forthright".

straightforward

Focuses on clarity and simplicity, potentially missing the element of honesty in "forthright".

blunt

Suggests directness to the point of being impolite or insensitive. Stronger than "forthright".

honest

Focuses solely on truthfulness, lacking the implication of directness found in "forthright".

plainspoken

Indicates clear and simple language, lacking the potential assertiveness of "forthright".

truthful

Stresses adherence to facts. May not include an implication of direct communication, unlike "forthright".

open

Suggests transparency and a willingness to share information, potentially less assertive than "forthright".

FAQs

How to use "forthright" in a sentence?

You can use "forthright" to describe someone's character or their communication style. For example, "She gave a forthright assessment of the situation" or "He is known for his forthright opinions".

What can I say instead of "forthright"?

You can use alternatives like "direct", "candid", or "frank", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "forthright" or "forward"?

"Forthright" means direct and honest, while "forward" can mean bold or presumptuous. Choose "forthright" when you want to emphasize honesty and directness, and "forward" when you mean bold or presumptuous behavior.

What's the difference between "forthright" and "outspoken"?

"Forthright" emphasizes honesty and directness in communication, while "outspoken" emphasizes a willingness to express opinions freely and publicly. Someone outspoken may not always be forthright (honest), and vice versa.