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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
frankly saying
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"frankly saying" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used when you want to express that you are being honest or clear when expressing an opinion. For example, "Frankly saying, I don't think this is the best option for us."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Academia
Science
Alternative expressions(20)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
4 human-written examples
Frankly, saying in this context "we'll wait for Congress" is the functional equivalent of saying, "let's not fix it".
News & Media
Meyer writes frankly, saying that his quest is to give people back their sense of meaning and purpose.
News & Media
"We import our energy and we import our food, so frankly, saying that we should make less energy so that we don't have to import apples seems to me to be nuts".
News & Media
Or frankly, saying nothing at all (but using a lot of words to say it).
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
frankly say they want the Rohingyas gone.
Science
"I'm puzzled by it, frankly," says Willoughby.
Academia
Some frankly say they want the Rohingyas gone.
News & Media
"It should be the same, frankly," said Gibb.
News & Media
"Frankly," says Swing, "no one knows what is here".
News & Media
"Their conduct has been unimpeachable, frankly," said Mark Borkowski, a media commentator and publicist here.
News & Media
"Quite frankly," said his son Hal, the managing general partner, "I think he was almost speechless".
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When employing "frankly saying", ensure that the context warrants such directness. Overuse can diminish its impact, while inappropriate use can create unnecessary tension.
Common error
Avoid overusing "frankly saying", as it can come across as abrasive or insincere if used too frequently. Instead, vary your language with other expressions of honesty and directness.
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "frankly saying" functions as a discourse marker or introductory phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it prefaces a statement indicating the speaker's intention to be honest and direct. It often sets the tone for a candid or potentially controversial opinion.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Academia
25%
Science
25%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "frankly saying" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a direct and honest statement. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. While relatively rare in occurrence, it appears most frequently in news and media, academic, and science contexts. When using this phrase, consider your audience and the potential impact of your words. Alternatives like "sincerely saying" or "openly saying" may be more appropriate in certain situations. Overall, the goal is to communicate honestly while maintaining a suitable tone.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
sincerely saying
Replaces "frankly" with "sincerely", emphasizing the genuineness of the statement.
openly saying
Replaces "frankly" with "openly", highlighting the transparent nature of the statement.
genuinely saying
Replaces "frankly" with "genuinely", reinforcing the authenticity of the expression.
bluntly saying
Replaces "frankly" with "bluntly", indicating a direct and perhaps less tactful expression.
overtly saying
Replaces "frankly" with "overtly", suggesting an obvious and unconcealed statement.
expressly saying
Replaces "frankly" with "expressly", implying a clear and unambiguous declaration.
really saying
Replaces "frankly" with "really", which can soften the tone while still conveying honesty.
wholeheartedly saying
Replaces "frankly" with "wholeheartedly", emphasizing the complete conviction behind the statement.
earnestly saying
Replaces "frankly" with "earnestly", conveying a serious and sincere tone.
explicitly saying
Replaces "frankly" with "explicitly", underlining the clarity and precision of the statement.
FAQs
How can I use "frankly saying" in a sentence?
You can use "frankly saying" to introduce a direct or honest opinion. For example, "Frankly saying, I don't agree with that decision."
What are some alternatives to "frankly saying"?
You can use alternatives like "sincerely saying", "openly saying", or "genuinely saying" to express a similar sentiment with slight variations in tone.
Is it always appropriate to use "frankly saying"?
While "frankly saying" can be effective, it's important to consider your audience and the context. It might not be suitable for all situations, especially those requiring tact or diplomacy.
What is the difference between "frankly saying" and "simply saying"?
"Frankly saying" implies honesty and directness, while "simply saying" suggests stating something straightforwardly without necessarily emphasizing honesty.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested