Used and loved by millions
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
honestly though
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"honestly though" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to emphasize a point or express sincerity. For example: "I've never seen anything like it; honestly though, I think it's incredible."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
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
52 human-written examples
Honestly though, if there was a way for me to cut voicemail out of my Verizon bill for some monthly savings, I would do it.
News & Media
Rather than funding companies like Apptimize, CircleUp investors are looking for things like Portland's Green Zebra Grocery, an organic grocery store; or the outdoor apparel and equipment maker Klymit; or even the latest socially conscious chocolatier to launch in Brooklyn (honestly though, fair trade plus chocolate seems like a great idea).
News & Media
Quite honestly, though, selling homes is not even the bulk of the job.
News & Media
Honestly though, my drug problems caused bigger family fights than my atheism.
News & Media
Honestly though, I suspect that there are pluses and minuses to being born at any stage or order: first, middle, youngest, only, etc.
News & Media
Honestly though, I don't care.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
8 human-written examples
I can honestly say, though, that I've never felt this really primal fear run through a theatre building.
News & Media
We'll miss you, though, honestly.
News & Media
I even think that Jim would be pleased with that, though, honestly, he probably wouldn't care two pins.
News & Media
Nurse Ratched, Can you bring... my... crutch You see, Mayor B., I'm in traction here in Roosevelt, Though honestly I've never felt More pampered, fed and bathed.
News & Media
Though, honestly, I was sold from the beginning.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "honestly though" to introduce a contrasting point or a slightly surprising revelation after a preceding statement. It adds a touch of sincerity to your discourse.
Common error
Avoid using "honestly though" excessively in formal writing, as it can come across as too casual. Opt for more formal transitional phrases to maintain a professional tone.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "honestly though" functions as a discourse marker. It signals a shift in topic or perspective, often adding a touch of sincerity or concession. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.
Frequent in
News & Media
75%
Wiki
13%
Academia
12%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Science
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "honestly though" is a grammatically correct phrase used as a discourse marker to introduce a sincere or contrasting viewpoint. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in written English. While generally neutral in register, it's more common in news and media than in strictly formal or scientific contexts. When using this phrase, consider its role in softening potentially harsh statements or adding a touch of personal conviction. While there are several alternatives to consider, "honestly though" can effectively convey a change in perspective. It's usage is more frequent in News and Media.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
honestly speaking regardless
Similar to the original, adds a slightly stronger emphasis on speaking honestly and using "regardless" as a transition.
in all honesty however
Replaces the single adverb with a prepositional phrase and adds 'however' to emphasize contrast.
to be honest even so
Uses a common introductory phrase for honesty with an additional 'even so' for concession.
truthfully speaking nevertheless
Starts with a phrase indicating truthfulness, adding 'nevertheless' to denote contrast.
frankly speaking nonetheless
Uses 'frankly speaking' to express honesty, pairing it with 'nonetheless' for transition.
in truth on the other hand
Emphasizes factual accuracy with 'in truth', shifting perspective with 'on the other hand'.
to tell you the truth yet
Highlights sincerity, using 'yet' as a contrasting conjunction.
candidly stated still
Replaces 'honestly' with 'candidly stated', using 'still' to indicate a continuing situation despite the honesty.
genuinely speaking despite that
Uses 'genuinely speaking' to convey honesty, adding 'despite that' for contradiction.
in all sincerity but
Emphasizes heartfelt honesty, connecting the statement with 'but' for contrast.
FAQs
How can I use "honestly though" in a sentence?
Use "honestly though" to introduce a sincere or slightly contrasting viewpoint, as in, "The task was challenging; "honestly though", I learned a lot from it."
What are some alternatives to "honestly though"?
Alternatives include "in all honesty however", "to be honest even so", or "frankly speaking nonetheless" depending on the context and desired level of formality.
Is it appropriate to use "honestly though" in formal writing?
While grammatically correct, "honestly though" is generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider more professional alternatives to maintain a polished tone.
What's the difference between "honestly though" and "but honestly"?
"Honestly though" typically introduces a new perspective or softens a preceding statement, while "but honestly" directly contrasts with what was previously said, emphasizing the truthful nature of the contradiction. For example, "I enjoyed the movie, "honestly though", it was a bit long" versus "I said I liked the movie, "but honestly" I didn't."
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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
84%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested