honest remark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "honest remark" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a statement that is truthful and straightforward, often in a context where sincerity is valued. Example: "Her honest remark about the project's shortcomings helped us improve our approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Once you have mastered this you will never again struggle with uncomfortable thoughts about how other people's views fail to reflect yours, or how to cope with having your ego punctured by the cheap shot of an accurate observation or honest remark.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Her refreshingly honest remarks had been so honest — apparently, too honest — that some bankers blamed her for further undermining confidence in European banks.

The New York Times

Her refreshingly honest remarks had been so honest - apparently, too honest - that some bankers blamed her for further undermining confidence in Europe's banks.

The New York Times

Ruland wondered about finding glass slippers in size 15, but the one-liners from the man who spent eight years in the National Basketball Association were matched by honest remarks about Iona's difficult task.

The New York Times - Sports

"Let's be honest," remarks Georg Ell from business social networking site Yammer, "the problem with typical enterprise systems is that they weren't built by people who were passionate about user-interface design.

BBC

And the rest of the media went bonkers over Obama's all-too-honest remarks about conservative white voters hanging on to God and guns.

Huffington Post

Asked whether online courts would lack authority, resulting in litigants becoming less honest, Dyson remarked: "There are an awful lot of people who don't tell the truth in courts that do have a lot of gravitas".

The Guardian

NPR shouldn't have fired Juan Williams for his stupid, bigoted -- and honest -- remarks.

Huffington Post

The pauses were unembarrassed, and he seemed honest in his remarks.

The New Yorker

However, Mondale made the following honest but politically suicidal remark at the Democratic National Convention: "Mr. Reagan will raise your taxes and so will I.

Huffington Post

Without answering her the two lads moved on, one of them remarking querously, "Honest to God, they got the oldest streetwalkers in this town".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "honest remark" to emphasize sincerity and directness in communication. It's particularly effective when describing someone's genuine feelings or opinions on a sensitive topic.

Common error

While "honest remark" is generally appropriate, avoid overusing it in very casual conversations. Alternatives like "straight talk" or "being real" might be more suitable in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "honest remark" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "honest" modifies the noun "remark". It describes a specific type of statement characterized by truthfulness and sincerity, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "honest remark" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a truthful and straightforward statement. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and usage across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While alternatives like "sincere comment" or "candid observation" exist, "honest remark" effectively emphasizes sincerity and directness. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the desired tone and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sincere comment

Replaces "honest" with "sincere", emphasizing genuineness of the comment.

candid observation

Uses "candid" instead of "honest", suggesting a frank and straightforward perspective.

frank statement

Employs "frank" to highlight the directness and lack of hesitation in the statement.

truthful assertion

Replaces both words with synonyms emphasizing the veracity of the assertion.

genuine reflection

Suggests a deeper, more personal level of honesty and thoughtfulness.

forthright declaration

Highlights the boldness and decisiveness of the declaration.

plainspoken assessment

Emphasizes the clear and unadorned nature of the assessment.

unvarnished truth

Implies that the truth is presented without any embellishment or softening.

authentic expression

Focuses on the originality and lack of pretense in the expression.

veritable pronouncement

Elevates the remark to a more formal and authoritative pronouncement.

FAQs

How can I use "honest remark" in a sentence?

You can use "honest remark" to describe a truthful and straightforward statement. For example, "Her "honest remark" about the presentation's shortcomings helped us improve the final version."

What are some alternatives to "honest remark"?

Some alternatives to "honest remark" include "sincere comment", "candid observation", or "frank statement" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "honest remark" and "blunt statement"?

While both phrases imply directness, "honest remark" focuses on truthfulness, whereas "blunt statement" emphasizes the lack of tact or diplomacy. A "blunt statement" may be honest, but it can also be harsh or offensive.

Is "honest remark" always a positive thing?

Not necessarily. While honesty is often valued, an "honest remark" can sometimes be unwelcome if it's delivered insensitively or at an inappropriate time. The impact of an "honest remark" depends heavily on the context and the recipient's perspective.