is pretty frank

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is pretty frank" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone’s honesty or straightforwardness in their communication. Example: "Her feedback on the project is pretty frank, which I appreciate because it helps us improve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The most popular programmes on Arab satellite TV happen to be those whose interest in posing questions, and stimulating appetites for change, is pretty frank.

The Economist

They quote a Ugandan judge as saying that "in most African countries, the legislature has, through intimidation, bribery and incompetence, been rendered impotent".If that study is scathing about democracy in the Commonwealth, the other one, "Common What?", is pretty frank about the club itself.

The Economist

Danielle Morrill, the company's CEO, is pretty frank about using the funding to go all out or go home.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I'm pretty frank.

The New York Times

Usually, he's pretty frank.

The New York Times

"The show's going to be pretty frank and audacious.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"You've seen my previous films: they've always been pretty frank about notions of sexuality.

The Guardian - Film

"We've had a relationship where both sides have been pretty frank privately and pretty frank publicly," Mr. Paulson said in a telephone interview in Washington.

The New York Times

You're pretty frank about your feelings for Stevie, and there's a whole chapter devoted to your first wife Jenny (5).

The Guardian - Music

"It just seemed to me that people would enjoy the book more if I were pretty frank and open -- without causing embarrassment or unhappiness to people," he added.

The New York Times - Books

God knows, you can't expect someone to share with you every thought they have, but we're pretty frank, even in a relationship that's this young".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is pretty frank" when you want to describe someone's communication style as direct and honest, but not necessarily harsh or unkind. It suggests a balanced approach to truthfulness.

Common error

Avoid using "is pretty frank" in highly formal or professional documents where a more sophisticated vocabulary is expected. Consider using more formal alternatives like "is quite candid" or "is very straightforward".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is pretty frank" functions as a descriptor, characterizing someone or something as being straightforward and honest in communication. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is frequently used to describe individuals' approaches or styles in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is pretty frank" is a phrase used to describe someone's communication style as direct and honest. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its usage is most commonly found in News & Media contexts and less frequently in formal business settings. The phrase suggests a balanced approach to truthfulness, avoiding extreme harshness. While authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian use the phrase, remember that in certain formal scenarios, alternatives like "is quite candid" or "is very straightforward" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is quite candid

Emphasizes sincerity and openness, offering a slightly more formal tone.

is quite honest

Focuses explicitly on truthfulness and sincerity.

is very straightforward

Highlights directness and lack of ambiguity, with a focus on clarity.

is rather direct

Similar to 'straightforward' but can imply a more assertive communication style.

is remarkably open

Highlights the extent to which someone is willing to share information.

is fairly blunt

Suggests a more direct and possibly less tactful approach.

is surprisingly forthcoming

Implies an unexpected willingness to provide information.

is known for being blunt

Indicates that being direct is a characteristic trait.

is never one to mince words

Emphasizes the absence of euphemisms or indirect language.

is brutally honest

Highlights an extreme form of honesty, potentially causing discomfort.

FAQs

What does "is pretty frank" mean?

The phrase "is pretty frank" means someone is being direct, honest, and straightforward in their communication, without necessarily being harsh or impolite.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is pretty frank"?

It's appropriate to use "is pretty frank" in situations where a moderate level of directness is expected and appreciated, such as providing feedback or expressing opinions in a relatively informal setting. Avoid it in very formal or delicate contexts.

What can I say instead of "is pretty frank"?

You can use alternatives like "is quite candid", "is very straightforward", or "is fairly blunt" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "is pretty frank" differ from "is brutally honest"?

"Is pretty frank" implies a balanced and relatively gentle approach to honesty, while "is brutally honest" suggests a much harsher and potentially insensitive level of directness. The latter can be perceived as offensive.