in all frankness

USAGE SUMMARY

"In all frankness" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce an honest statement. For example, "In all frankness, I think the meeting should have been handled differently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"When [Matt's] cleaned up, he's very handsome and, in all frankness, very well-endowed.

Independent

In all frankness, I have great concern about America's credibility and I care about how America is perceived.

The New York Times

"In all frankness, I am concerned about certain protectionist tendencies resurfacing in the EU... How wise it is that the European Commission invents an 'anti-Gazprom clause' to keep investments which are so needed for more efficient satisfaction of raising demand".

Independent

Yahoo's quarter was mixed, but in all frankness until Yahoo manages year-over-year top-line growth the company is little more than a declining cash flow lashed to equity in a foreign tech company.

TechCrunch

Well, a New York Post article from last week quotes a retired detective as saying Matt is "very handsome and, in all frankness, very well endowed.

Vice

That's, in all frankness, extremely problematic considering the High Court is overpopulated with Ivy School pedigree, including one knucklehead who admits to throwing his Yale law degree in a waste basket.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In a year as governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie has captivated conservatives across the nation, with an in-your-face frankness and nonstop aggressiveness that few have seen from a chief executive.

The New York Times

I love, too, her extraordinary happy frankness in all things; that is, her courage.

The New Yorker

In this study, frankness displayed in the transcripts particularly from other specialities and junior obstetric doctors reflected the ability of participants to focus on the interviewer's research rather than the clinical relationship to the participant with the interviewer.

BMJ Open

What it lacks in cohesiveness it makes up in its frankness, its quick-pivoting angularities.

The New York Times - Books

It may be that this autobiography is set down in sincerity, frankness, and simple effort.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context; while appropriate in formal settings, it may sound overly verbose in casual conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "in all frankness" repeatedly in a single piece of writing, as it can make your tone seem affected or insincere. Choose simpler alternatives like "honestly" or "to be frank" for variety.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "in all frankness" is to act as an adverbial phrase, modifying the sentence that follows. Ludwig AI confirms this, indicating it introduces an honest statement. It signals the speaker's intention to be direct and candid.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In all frankness, this phrase serves as a formal introduction to a candid statement. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in written English, primarily within news, formal business, and scientific contexts. While conveying sincerity, its formality may not suit casual settings. For alternatives, consider "in all honesty" or "to be frank" for varied tone. Remember, overuse can diminish its impact; therefore, use it thoughtfully to introduce direct, yet potentially delicate, insights.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in all honesty

Emphasizes honesty as the primary attribute, slightly less formal.

in all candor

A more formal synonym emphasizing sincerity and lack of reserve.

in all sincerity

Highlights the genuineness and earnestness of the statement.

to be frank

A more concise and direct way of expressing the same sentiment.

to be honest

A common and slightly less formal alternative.

candidly speaking

Emphasizes the open and straightforward nature of the communication.

truthfully

A straightforward adverb indicating that what follows is true.

in truth

Similar to "in all frankness", but can also imply a revelation of something previously hidden.

honestly speaking

Similar in meaning, but can sound slightly more conversational.

genuinely speaking

Emphasizes the authenticity and sincerity behind the statement.

FAQs

What does "in all frankness" mean?

The phrase "in all frankness" is an introductory phrase used to signal that the speaker or writer is about to be honest, direct, and possibly candid, even if what they are about to say might be sensitive or critical.

How can I use "in all frankness" in a sentence?

You can start a sentence with "in all frankness" to preface a potentially sensitive or blunt statement. For example: "In all frankness, your performance has not met expectations."

What can I say instead of "in all frankness"?

You can use alternatives like "to be honest", "to be frank", or "in all honesty" depending on the level of formality required.

When is it appropriate to use "in all frankness"?

It is appropriate to use "in all frankness" in situations where you want to convey honesty and directness, especially when delivering potentially critical or sensitive information. It's best suited for more formal or professional contexts.