frank question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "frank question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that a question is direct, honest, and straightforward, often addressing a sensitive or difficult topic. Example: "I appreciate your honesty, but I have to ask a frank question: Are you truly satisfied with your current job?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The starting point is a frank question: why did we fail?

The Guardian

"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

But since you're asking such a brutally frank question, let's put it this way: I take myself much more seriously as a writer, but I understand why people might not like my writing.

The Guardian

She asked a refreshingly frank question, "Can we get the unemployment rate below 6percentt, and how long will it take?" She initially let both candidates get away with the usual political retorts.

Huffington Post

Tired of the discussions that revolved around what could be done to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by cities in the industrialized world, she asked the frank question: when can Africa, that has been experiencing climate change for many years now, expect solutions instead of speeches?

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Thirdly, ask yourself some frank questions.

The Guardian

In the book, Italian journalist Vittorio Messori asks the Pope many frank questions.

The New Yorker

During interviews, CEO Jean Kovacs and her staff ask frank questions about workload expectations and past accomplishments.

Harvard Business Review

Far more than is customary, he spends hours listening to women: to their worries and confessions, their intimate secrets and frank questions about everything from menstruation to infidelity.

The New York Times

The assistant added: "Years gone by people have been paid tens of thousands of pounds". Before Gifford left the car, the DC said there was nothing wrong with her frank questions about payment.

The Guardian

Mr Darling's unfortunate complaint about his faltering Sky News earpiece on Sunday – "I've lost it" – may be mercilessly recycled, but his campaign needs to keep calm and ask frank questions about why it isn't doing better, and without turning in on itself.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "frank question" to introduce a direct and honest inquiry, especially when the topic might be sensitive or uncomfortable. This signals your intent to be upfront and encourages a similarly open response.

Common error

While "frank question" is acceptable, overusing it can make you sound overly assertive or even aggressive. Consider using softer alternatives like "direct question" or "candid question" in highly formal contexts to maintain a more diplomatic tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "frank question" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "frank" modifies the noun "question". It describes the type of question being asked, indicating its direct and honest nature. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "frank question" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that signals a direct and honest inquiry. Ludwig AI validates this, and while examples are relatively rare, the phrase finds common ground in news and media contexts. When using "frank question", consider the potential sensitivity of the topic and the need for a candid response. Alternatives like "direct question" or "honest question" may be more appropriate in certain formal settings. Be mindful of overuse to avoid sounding overly assertive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

straightforward question

Replaces "frank" with "straightforward", emphasizing the direct and uncomplicated nature of the question.

direct question

Replaces "frank" with "direct", highlighting the absence of indirectness.

honest question

Replaces "frank" with "honest", focusing on the sincerity behind the question.

candid question

Replaces "frank" with "candid", emphasizing openness and sincerity.

blunt question

Replaces "frank" with "blunt", indicating a directness that may be perceived as harsh.

forthright question

Replaces "frank" with "forthright", emphasizing honesty and directness.

open question

Replaces "frank" with "open", suggesting a question that invites honest and unfiltered answers.

unfiltered question

Replaces "frank" with "unfiltered", highlighting the raw and direct nature of the question.

unvarnished question

Replaces "frank" with "unvarnished", indicating a question presented without any embellishment or softening.

truthful question

Replaces "frank" with "truthful", emphasizing the question's intent to elicit an honest response.

FAQs

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

You can use "frank question" to introduce a direct and honest inquiry. For example, "I have a "frank question": Are you truly happy with your current role?"

What can I say instead of "frank question"?

You can use alternatives like "direct question", "honest question", or "candid question" depending on the context.

Is it better to ask a "frank question" or a "direct question"?

Both ""frank question"" and "direct question" are acceptable, but "frank question" implies a level of openness and potential sensitivity, while "direct question" simply emphasizes the lack of indirectness.

When is it appropriate to ask a "frank question"?

It's appropriate to ask a ""frank question"" when you need a straightforward and honest answer, even if the topic is sensitive or uncomfortable. However, consider your audience and the potential impact of your question.