frank opinion

USAGE SUMMARY

"frank opinion" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used to describe a sincere or honest opinion or assessment. For example: "I would appreciate your frank opinion on this matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"My frank opinion is that this resignation drama is another misstep".

Independent

To begin with each man gave his frank opinion of the other.

The New Yorker

In a frank opinion article for The New York Times, Greg Smith, a Goldman Sachs executive, explained on Wednesday why he was resigning from the firm.

The New York Times

What the hell, I'll even go farther than that and say, Don't go anywhere near the whole dumb city at all if you can help it, is my advice, but that's my completely frank opinion, so help me God.

The New Yorker

The adapter of Pride and Prejudice, Middlemarch and most recently War & Peace gave his frank opinion of the stage and film musical to an audience at the second day of the Hay Festival.

The Guardian - Film

Looking about his room he saw atop his bed, a card that inquired, "May we shine your shoes?" Atop his bureau he found a pin cushion stuck with pins; a questionaire asking his "frank opinion" of whether "the room clerk & desk staff were friendly... .. Two books lay on the bureau, gifts of the management.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

But Albert's frank opinions about the Knicks would still have been a factor, even at a smaller salary.

The New York Times - Sports

Green shares plenty of stories like that, with his usual frank opinions, for more than 300 pages before the most powerful chapter, about his granddaughter.

The New York Times - Sports

In long letters (addressed to "My Dear Friends" or "My Dear Sister"), Mrs. Fay offers frank opinions of everyone she meets, and every place, while portraying herself as the plucky heroine of her own epistolary novel.

The New York Times - Travel

Mr. Blodget's "indispensably frank" opinions, Mr. Frazad says, has made up "a compelling body of work in Slate, New York magazine, and the Huffington Post," as well as his own Alley Insider blog.

The New York Times

Poking at the island's enduring racism — light-skinned men are still the gold standard as far as fathering children is concerned — Mr. Turnley elicits frank opinions from both light-skinned and black interviewees, while acknowledging that the blacks gained most from Castro's revolution.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Choose "frank opinion" in contexts where transparency is valued, such as performance reviews or feedback sessions.

Common error

Avoid using "frank opinion" in situations where tact and diplomacy are crucial. Overly direct language can be perceived as rude or insensitive, especially when delivering negative feedback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "frank opinion" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "frank" modifies the noun "opinion". As evidenced by Ludwig, it indicates a direct and honest assessment or viewpoint.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "frank opinion" is a useful and grammatically sound way to express a direct and honest assessment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, primarily in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While synonyms like "candid assessment" or "forthright view" exist, "frank opinion" strikes a balance between formality and directness. Remember to use it judiciously, considering the sensitivity of the situation. Always aim for clarity and transparency when offering your "frank opinion".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

candid assessment

Replaces 'opinion' with 'assessment' emphasizing an evaluation, while 'candid' maintains the honesty aspect.

forthright view

Substitutes 'opinion' with 'view' and 'frank' with 'forthright', highlighting directness and openness.

honest perspective

Replaces 'frank' with 'honest' and 'opinion' with 'perspective', focusing on a truthful viewpoint.

direct evaluation

Emphasizes the straightforward nature of the evaluation, replacing both 'frank' and 'opinion' with stronger terms.

sincere appraisal

Highlights the genuine nature of the appraisal, offering a more formal alternative.

unvarnished judgment

Suggests a judgment free from embellishment, emphasizing honesty and clarity.

straightforward analysis

Focuses on a clear and uncomplicated analysis, highlighting simplicity and directness.

open commentary

Emphasizes the openness of the commentary, suggesting transparency and accessibility.

plainspoken thought

Highlights clarity and simplicity in expressing a thought, focusing on ease of understanding.

truthful viewpoint

Stresses the veracity of the viewpoint, underscoring its reliability and honesty.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "frank opinion" in a sentence?

Use "frank opinion" to preface a direct and honest assessment. For example, "In my frank opinion, the project needs significant revisions" or "I value your frank opinion on this matter".

What are some alternatives to "frank opinion"?

You can use alternatives like "candid assessment", "forthright view", or "honest perspective" depending on the context.

Is "frank opinion" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "frank opinion" can be suitable for formal writing when directness and honesty are valued. However, consider the audience and context to ensure it doesn't come across as overly blunt. Using alternatives like "sincere appraisal" might be more appropriate in some formal situations.

What's the difference between "frank opinion" and "honest opinion"?

While both phrases convey sincerity, "frank opinion" often implies a more direct and potentially blunt expression, whereas "honest opinion" focuses solely on truthfulness. The best choice depends on the desired tone.