frank answer

USAGE SUMMARY

'frank answer' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It implies an answer that is given with open honesty and no attempt to sugarcoat the truth. For example: "I asked him what he thought of the project, and he gave me a frank answer: it was an unmitigated disaster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Responding to Robert Jay QC, Myler said: "I had no reason not to give them a full and frank answer.

The Guardian

He fretted over this quite a little while, and the reluctantly gripped his fountain pen and wrote, opposite the entry "Sex" the frank answer "Occasionally".

The New Yorker

"If you ask me now, do I know how to close that new $378 million gap, the frank answer is, 'No, I don't,' " Mr. Walder said.

The New York Times

Underlying this flip yet frank answer is his conviction that the social world of college is a self-selecting, largely homogenous "bubble".

The New York Times

"I gave a pretty clear and frank answer to a clear and frank question, and I don't regret that at all," Cameron said.

The Guardian

Often a counselor has a relationship with the college admission staff and can get a frank answer about whether there is any point in pursuing a spot.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Giving complete, frank answers at this level inevitably leads to hassles.

The New York Times - Sports

"I don't think he did try to provide frank answers.

The New York Times

Into the oblivion of advanced age, he freestyles poetry and offers frank answers or blank verbal shrugs.

The New York Times

"I disagree with him categorically where he says 'I've tried to provide frank answers,' " Mr. Specter told reporters.

The New York Times

ALMOST any night of the week, Barkha Dutt can be found under the harsh glare of television lights, asking tough questions and demanding frank answers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "frank answer" when you want to emphasize the honesty and directness of a response, especially when the truth might be uncomfortable or unexpected. This phrase is suitable for situations where transparency is valued.

Common error

While "frank answer" implies honesty, ensure it doesn't come across as unnecessarily harsh or insensitive. Consider the audience and context, and soften the delivery if needed to avoid causing offense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "frank answer" functions as a noun phrase, where "frank" modifies the noun "answer". It describes a specific quality of the answer being given. Ludwig AI confirms that is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "frank answer" is a grammatically sound and commonly used way to describe a response that is both honest and direct. As Ludwig AI points out, it implies a lack of sugarcoating and a commitment to transparency. While versatile, it's important to use this phrase with consideration for the context and audience, ensuring the message is clear without being unnecessarily harsh. Alternatives like "honest response" or "straight answer" can provide similar meaning with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

honest response

Focuses on the honesty of the reply, omitting the directness.

candid reply

Replaces "answer" with "reply" and "frank" with "candid", suggesting openness and sincerity.

forthright response

Emphasizes the directness and outspokenness of the answer.

straight answer

Implies a clear and unambiguous response.

direct answer

Highlights the absence of evasion or ambiguity.

truthful answer

Stresses the accuracy and veracity of the response.

sincere answer

Conveys the genuineness and heartfelt nature of the reply.

open answer

Suggests a willingness to share information without reservation.

unreserved answer

Indicates a lack of hesitation or qualification in the response.

unfiltered response

Emphasizes that the answer is raw and without any attempt to make it more palatable.

FAQs

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

You can use "frank answer" to describe a response that is direct and honest, such as: "I appreciated his "frank answer" about the project's shortcomings."

What's a good alternative to "frank answer"?

Alternatives to "frank answer" include "honest response", "candid reply", or "straight answer", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "frank answer"?

The phrase "frank answer" is appropriate when you want to highlight that a response was given with honesty and without reservation, even if the truth was difficult to hear.

How does "frank answer" differ from "polite answer"?

"Frank answer" emphasizes honesty and directness, while a polite answer may prioritize tact and diplomacy, potentially sacrificing some honesty for the sake of avoiding offense.