genuine candor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "genuine candor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sincere and honest openness in communication or expression. Example: "During the meeting, her genuine candor about the project's challenges was refreshing and encouraged others to speak openly as well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

To his credit, General Petraeus is capable of genuine candor.

The Guardian - Opinion

If the governor is in a mood for genuine candor about the economy, he could make one hell of a speech.

The New York Times

The lawmakers whom Trump hosted at the White House on Tuesday hadn't been forewarned that they would be speaking in front of cameras, and that appears to have created the conditions for some genuine candor in the negotiations.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Griffin's musical palette may be limited, but she has a genuine lyrical gift, and her compassion and candor are delivered in a refreshing folk idiom.

The New Yorker

This sense of discovery, along with the band's low-budget guitars and the mystery of its pseudonymous members ("SM + Spiral Stairs"), was Pavement's inherent promise as something genuine and new, a reclaiming of rock's primitive candor.

The New York Times - Arts

Americans dropped the "u" in these words under the influence of lexicographer Noah Webster, who argued that "to purify our orthography from corruptions and restore to words their genuine spelling, we ought to reject u from honor, favor, candor, error, and others of this class".

The Guardian - Opinion

In his best-seller The Book of Virtues, he writes, "Honesty is of pervasive human importance.... To be honest is to be real, genuine, authentic, and bona fide.... Honesty imbues lives with openness, reliability, and candor; it expresses a disposition to live in the light".

Huffington Post

The story of the Norwegian-American prodigy who, as a champion in track (she won first place in five events in the 1932 Olympic trials), tennis and golf, became a genuine celebrity when such creatures were rare, is told with admiration and affection, but also with contemporary candor.

The New York Times - Books

They value candor.

The New Yorker

Poems of voluptuous candor.

The New Yorker

Sex and candor: opposites?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "genuine candor" to describe situations where honesty is not only present but also sincere and free from ulterior motives. This emphasizes the authenticity of the speaker's openness.

Common error

Be mindful that "candor" doesn't justify being disrespectful or insensitive. "Genuine candor" should still be delivered with empathy and consideration for the recipient's feelings. Focus your communication on being honest, but not blunt to the point of hurting others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "genuine candor" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective 'genuine' modifies the noun 'candor'. It describes a quality or attribute. Ludwig AI confirms this through examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "genuine candor" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe honesty that is sincere and authentic. While less common than other expressions, Ludwig AI confirms it is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, prioritize clarity and ensuring that the candidness doesn't come across as insensitive. Alternatives such as "authentic frankness" or "sincere honesty" may be more appropriate depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authentic frankness

Emphasizes the realness and straightforwardness of the honesty.

sincere honesty

Highlights the heartfelt and truthful nature of the communication.

unfeigned openness

Focuses on the lack of pretense in the display of honesty.

honest sincerity

Reinforces both the truthfulness and the genuine nature of the expression.

forthright honesty

Underscores the direct and unambiguous manner of being honest.

true transparency

Highlights the clear and open nature of the communication, like looking through glass.

real straightforwardness

Emphasizes the authenticity and directness in communication.

unreserved truthfulness

Points out the complete and unrestricted nature of the honesty.

bona fide candor

Stresses the good faith and genuineness of the candor.

pure hearted honesty

Highlights the lack of malicious intent and honesty from the soul.

FAQs

How can I use "genuine candor" in a sentence?

You can use "genuine candor" to describe someone's honest and sincere openness in communication. For example, "Her "genuine candor" during the meeting helped the team address the real issues."

What is the difference between "genuine candor" and "brutal honesty"?

"Genuine candor" implies honesty delivered with sincerity and care, while "brutal honesty" suggests bluntness and a lack of concern for the recipient's feelings. The former is constructive, the latter can be harmful. It is important to consider the context and the audience while being "straightforward".

What are some synonyms for "genuine candor"?

Alternatives to "genuine candor" include "authentic frankness", "sincere honesty", and "unfeigned openness". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "genuine candor" formal or informal?

"Genuine candor" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more often used in professional or news settings where clear and honest communication is valued. It may come across as unnatural in casual conversation, where simpler terms like "true honesty" might be preferred.