frank discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "frank discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an open, honest, and straightforward conversation about a particular topic. Example: "We need to have a frank discussion about the challenges our team is facing in this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There is an open and frank discussion.

The Guardian - Sport

We had a very frank discussion about the difficulties".

The New York Times

The book includes a frank discussion of female genital mutilation.

The New Yorker

A frank discussion would only awaken immigration's opponents, he says.

The New York Times

Instead, let's have a frank discussion of our differences.

The New York Times

It merits frank discussion, not least in Congress.

The Economist

Frank discussion of the business seems to be discouraged.

The Economist

His purpose is open, frank discussion under conditions of publicity.

The New Yorker

But it should prompt frank discussion about nutrition.

The New York Times

Its frank discussion of politics and religion could upset.

The New York Times

"They had a frank discussion on those issues".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "frank discussion" when you want to emphasize the openness and honesty of a conversation, especially when sensitive or difficult topics are being addressed.

Common error

Avoid using "frank discussion" when the context calls for diplomacy or sensitivity. A gentler approach might be better suited for delivering constructive feedback to colleagues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "frank discussion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., "have a frank discussion") or the subject of a clause. Ludwig AI confirms its role in describing a type of conversation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Social Media

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "frank discussion" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an open and honest conversation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "candid conversation" and "open dialogue" exist, "frank discussion" emphasizes a directness and willingness to tackle sensitive topics. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended level of formality and sensitivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

candid conversation

Emphasizes honesty and straightforwardness in a less formal setting.

open dialogue

Highlights the reciprocal and inclusive nature of the exchange.

honest exchange

Focuses primarily on the truthfulness of the interaction.

straightforward conversation

Highlights the directness and lack of ambiguity.

forthright exchange

Implies boldness and directness, potentially in the face of opposition.

candid exchange

Synonymous with "frank exchange" but perhaps slightly more formal.

unreserved dialogue

Emphasizes the absence of hesitation or holding back.

unfiltered discussion

Stresses that the content has not been censored or altered.

no-holds-barred conversation

Suggests a willingness to address even the most sensitive or difficult topics.

unvarnished conversation

Implies that the discussion is raw and without embellishment.

FAQs

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

You can use "frank discussion" to describe an open and honest conversation about a particular topic. For example: "The manager initiated a "frank discussion" about the team's performance."

What can I say instead of "frank discussion"?

You can use alternatives like "candid conversation", "open dialogue", or "honest exchange" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "frank discussion" and "open discussion"?

While both terms suggest honesty, "frank discussion" often implies a directness and willingness to address difficult topics, whereas "open discussion" emphasizes inclusivity and the freedom to express diverse opinions.

When is it appropriate to use the term "frank discussion"?

It is appropriate to use "frank discussion" when you want to highlight the open and honest nature of a conversation, especially in situations where transparency and directness are valued, such as problem-solving meetings or performance reviews.