frank tone

USAGE SUMMARY

"frank tone" is a correct and usable term in written English.
You can use this term to refer to a direct and honest style of speaking or writing. For example, "The politician used a frank tone when addressing the crowd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Books

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Altberg's frank tone is admirable and certainly one that Smart Gordon is unable to match.

The Guardian - Music

Fans of Ms. Blume will recognize her frank tone and lefty politics: she has railed against censorship and cheered on Keith Olbermann.

The New York Times

BEN RATLIFF JALEEL SHAW "The Soundtrack of Things to Come" (Changu) Jaleel Shaw has a warm, frank tone on alto saxophone and an attraction to music of earthy enlightenment.

The New York Times - Arts

He argued that speaking his recollections and opinions, rather than writing them down, allowed him to adopt a more natural, colloquial and frank tone, and Twain scholars who have seen the manuscript agree.

The New York Times - Books

"Blueberries are tough," is the first thing that Mr. West told me, and it turned out to be an echo of the practical approach and frank tone of his book, which contains both simple formulas and more sophisticated recipes like cocktail onions and peach-passionfruit jam.

The New York Times - Food

The note surprised some for its frank tone and contents, but in fact Hackworth has not shied from speaking bullishly on behalf of his team at times — it just tended to be overshadowed early on by the apparent contrast in styles between the generally affable Hackworth and the man he served as assistant under and ultimately replaced, the more abrasive Peter Nowak.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Her foot still in plaster after a fall that failed to disrupt a packed autumn schedule, she sips her tea and talks in the measured, thoughtful and frank tones of someone whose self-directed progress from township to limelight has left little room for showbiz gush.

Independent

It's a tribute to this book's frank, frazzled tone that none of this information comes across as pretentious.

The New York Times - Books

On a delicacy scale, black salsify's flavor parts company with the world of root vegetables altogether: it has none of the outspoken effrontery of the cabbage and neither the parsnip's spicy sweetness nor the carrot's frank vegetal tone.

The New York Times - Food

By liberating herself of a physically confining accessory which has also become her trademark, Lagarde was able to signal a turning point in the conversation toward a more frank,  inclusive tone – in some way akin to a man loosening his necktie or rolling up his shirt sleeves in order to show he's ready to 'get down to business'.

BBC

Maron may sound a little nervous and breathless at times, but the episode maintains the frank, confessional tone that WTF is known for.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "frank tone" when you want to describe communication that is direct, honest, and without pretense. It's especially effective when contrasting it with more evasive or diplomatic approaches.

Common error

While "frank tone" implies honesty, be careful not to let it cross the line into rudeness or insensitivity. Consider your audience and the context to ensure your message is clear but also respectful.

Linguistic Context

Frank tone functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun (e.g., speech, writing) to indicate a style characterized by directness and honesty. This phrase adheres to standard grammatical rules, as verified by Ludwig, and is commonly used in various contexts to describe a particular quality of communication.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Books

12%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Science

8%

Food

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "frank tone" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe a direct and honest communication style, as confirmed by Ludwig. While relatively uncommon, it appears across various contexts, especially in news and media, highlighting its relevance in describing the directness of expression. When using "frank tone", remember to balance honesty with tact to avoid unintended offense. Alternative phrases include "forthright tone" and "candid tone", offering similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Be mindful of potentially confusing frankness with rudeness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forthright tone

Emphasizes directness and being straightforward, sometimes to the point of being blunt.

candid tone

Highlights honesty and openness, often implying a willingness to share potentially sensitive information.

honest tone

Focuses on truthfulness and sincerity in expression.

straightforward tone

Conveys simplicity and clarity in communication, avoiding complexity or obfuscation.

genuine tone

Emphasizes authenticity and sincerity in expression.

direct tone

Stresses the lack of ambiguity and being to the point.

open tone

Suggests a willingness to share thoughts and feelings freely.

earnest tone

Highlights sincerity and seriousness, suggesting a genuine intent.

unreserved tone

Implies a lack of hesitation or restraint in expressing oneself.

blunt tone

Emphasizes directness to a degree that may be considered impolite or tactless.

FAQs

How to use "frank tone" in a sentence?

You can use "frank tone" to describe someone's speaking or writing style. For example, "The author adopted a "frank tone" to address the controversial topic".

What can I say instead of "frank tone"?

You can use alternatives like "forthright tone", "candid tone", or "direct tone" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "frank tone" or "frank manner"?

Both "frank tone" and "frank manner" are grammatically correct, but they refer to different aspects. "Frank tone" describes the style of communication, while "frank manner" describes a person's overall behavior or demeanor. They are not always interchangeable.

What's the difference between "frank tone" and "blunt tone"?

"Frank tone" implies honesty and directness without necessarily being offensive. "Blunt tone", on the other hand, suggests a level of directness that can be considered insensitive or impolite. A "blunt tone" lacks tact.