forthright and clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "forthright and clear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing communication that is direct and easy to understand. Example: "The report was forthright and clear, leaving no room for misinterpretation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Will the Republican Party be so forthright and clear?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Yet his take is so forthright and clear-eyed that the normal array of yuppie hang-ups are made rawer here, more disturbing.

The New York Times

Cromwell, whose forthright and clear-sighted temper was less well suited to the conduct of foreign affairs than was Henry VIII's skillful opportunism, involved himself in projects of a Lutheran alliance distasteful to the King who wished to stand on Catholic orthodoxy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was on the issue of gay marriage though that Bishop Welby was perhaps the most forthright - and clear.

BBC

But I was excited about how forthright and how clear he was about what he expects from the staff and the players".

BBC

Mr. Kearns has a more forthright delivery, clear and ardent, while Mr. Tynan has a higher, sweeter tone with a touch of a sob.

The New York Times

Forthright, clear, pastoral and moving are also terms applicable to the opening address and later statements in Dallas by Bishop Wilton D. Gregory, the president of the bishops' conference.

The New York Times

And they must provide forthright, clear explanations for their decisions, so that Americans are not forced to guess at how future cases will be decided.

Huffington Post

And she's so clear-sighted, so precise, so just, so funny, forthright and entertaining".

The Guardian - Books

This is forthright and plausible.

The New Yorker

It is being forthright and candid".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "forthright and clear" when you want to emphasize that a message is both direct and easily understood, avoiding any ambiguity or misinterpretation.

Common error

While "forthright and clear" is effective, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "straightforward" or "unambiguous" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "forthright and clear" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for describing communication or actions that are direct, honest, and easy to understand. The examples provided show it modifying nouns related to communication styles, explanations, and even personal temperaments.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "forthright and clear" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, primarily found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively describes communication that is both direct and easily understood. When writing, remember to utilize it to indicate a message's transparency and avoid overuse by interchanging it with terms like "straightforward and transparent". Ultimately, while it enjoys prevalence and contextual relevance, always be wary of overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Clear and direct

Reverses the order of the adjectives, offering a slight variation.

Clear and unambiguous

Emphasizes lack of confusion and uncertainty.

Direct and unambiguous

Emphasizes the lack of ambiguity in the communication.

Straightforward and transparent

Highlights honesty and openness in the message.

Candid and explicit

Focuses on the frankness and detail of the communication.

Unequivocal and forthright

Highlights certainty and directness in expression.

Plain and simple

Stresses the ease of understanding the message.

Open and honest

Highlights sincerity and truthfulness in the communication.

Frank and straightforward

Emphasizes the directness and lack of hesitation.

Unreserved and plain

Emphasizes lack of constraint and ease of understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "forthright and clear" in a sentence?

You can use "forthright and clear" to describe communication that is direct and easy to understand. For example, "The instructions were "forthright and clear", leaving no room for confusion."

What are some alternatives to "forthright and clear"?

Alternatives include "direct and unambiguous", "straightforward and transparent", or "candid and explicit". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "forthright and clear"?

While both words relate to clarity and directness, "forthright" emphasizes honesty and directness, while "clear" emphasizes ease of understanding. Using both can reinforce the message, but ensure it doesn't become repetitive.

In what contexts is "forthright and clear" most appropriate?

This phrase is suitable in professional, news, and general contexts where direct and easily understandable communication is valued. However, be mindful of your audience; in some situations, a more nuanced approach might be preferred.