forthright answer

USAGE SUMMARY

"forthright answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an honest answer that is given without hesitation. For example: "The student provided a forthright answer when asked about his future plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

What he'll have to do is come forward with an honest and forthright answer".

The New York Times

Petraeus: "I would give a forthright answer: I cannot predict that!" There were small revealing moments.

The Guardian - Opinion

He had asked the President a serious question, and even though Danila might be a kid, he wanted a forthright answer.

The New Yorker

We can -- I have tried to deal with some very delicate areas here, and, and in one case I've given you a very forthright answer about what I thought was not within here.

The New York Times

Sir Ian Byatt, a former Treasury official who was the first head of Ofwat, the water regulator, gives a forthright answer: neither the fish in the Thames nor households will benefit.

The Guardian

It was, in some ways, a jarringly forthright answer, one that illuminates the role that Sessions played in the drama surrounding Comey's dismissal an event that suggests, as strongly as anything could, the need for a special prosecutor.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Because, clearly, you're not able to give us forthright answers.

The Guardian

At her confirmation hearings, Judge Sotomayor joined a lamentable trend of Supreme Court nominees' avoiding forthright answers on important legal issues.

The New York Times

He won hearts in India with his forthright answers to college students and awkward dance moves with disadvantaged children, and in Indonesia, where his personal biography resonated.

The New York Times

To his credit, Bork gave honest and forthright answers to the questions posed by the senators on the Judiciary Committee, which was led admirably by then Senator Joseph Biden.

The New Yorker

Even without forthright answers from the family, Abusalha was a military-aged male coming back from a country on the edge of a war zone.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "forthright answer" when you want to emphasize both the honesty and directness of a response. It's suitable when the situation calls for clarity and transparency.

Common error

Avoid using "forthright answer" when you mean "forthwith answer". "Forthwith" implies immediacy or without delay, whereas "forthright" means direct and honest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "forthright answer" functions as a noun phrase where "forthright" modifies "answer". According to Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically sound expression used to describe a direct and honest response. The examples confirm its use in various contexts to denote clarity and transparency in communication.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "forthright answer" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that signifies a response that is both honest and direct. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for emphasizing transparency and clarity in communication. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, as well as formal business settings, this phrase conveys trustworthiness and a lack of hesitation. Remember to differentiate it from "forthwith answer" to avoid confusion. To enhance your writing, use "forthright answer" when you need to emphasize both honesty and directness in your response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

honest response

Focuses on the truthfulness of the answer, downplaying the directness.

direct reply

Emphasizes the lack of hesitation, without focusing on honesty.

candid response

Implies openness and sincerity in addition to honesty.

straightforward answer

Highlights the simplicity and clarity of the answer.

unequivocal answer

Stresses the lack of ambiguity or doubt in the response.

plain answer

Suggests simplicity and lack of embellishment.

frank answer

Similar to candid, but can sometimes imply bluntness.

truthful answer

Similar to honest, but carries a stronger connotation of veracity.

unreserved answer

Highlights the completeness and lack of hesitation in the response.

explicit answer

Emphasizes clarity and lack of ambiguity in the details.

FAQs

How can I use "forthright answer" in a sentence?

You can use "forthright answer" to describe a response that is both honest and direct. For example: "The politician gave a "forthright answer" to the reporter's question.".

What is a good synonym for "forthright answer"?

Synonyms include "honest response", "direct reply", or "candid response", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "forthright answer"?

It's appropriate when the situation requires a response that is clear, honest, and without hesitation. This phrase is suitable in formal and informal contexts when transparency is valued.

What's the difference between "forthright answer" and "honest answer"?

"Honest answer" simply implies that the response is truthful. A "forthright answer" includes both honesty and a direct, often unapologetic, manner of delivery.