it is honest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is honest" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to affirm the truthfulness or integrity of a statement or action. Example: "In my opinion, it is honest to admit when you have made a mistake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Her writing is at its best when it is honest and vulnerable rather than hectoring and prescriptive: when she admits, for example, that even she feels the loneliness of modern society at times, and yearns for the sense of belonging that life in the clan however cruel and dysfunctional can still provide.

The Economist

To be honest, we prefer the Mirror's approach to covering the Britney meltdown because as least it is honest about its complete disregard for psychological state; we figured they thought her life is nothing more than "trash" and now they have confirmed it.

The Guardian - Music

It is honest, or at least frank, in its intent.

The New Yorker

Broader in remit than the Courtauld's Mondrian equivalent – the last rooms are of David Hockney's responses to Picasso, made after his hero was dead – it is honest in owning up to the mixed reception its subject had in this country.

Independent

But it is honest.

The New York Times

And it is honest.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

(Unless it is honest-to-God midcentury modern, where well-meaning people will line up to buy it, blog about it and then sell it once they have children, repeating the cycle).

Huffington Post

"It was honest.

The New York Times

Paradoxically, it's honest.

The New York Times - Books

It's honest.

The New York Times

At least, it's honest.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is honest" to describe a person's character, consider adding context to show how they demonstrate honesty. For example, "It is honest of her to admit her mistakes publicly."

Common error

Avoid using "it is honest" to describe inanimate objects in contexts where honesty doesn't apply. While you might say "it is an honest appraisal", saying "it is honest, this table" is nonsensical. Focus on the quality that applies, such as "it is sturdy."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is honest" serves as an affirmation of truthfulness or sincerity. This phrase is commonly used to express agreement with a statement or to emphasize the integrity of a person, action, or piece of work, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is honest" is a versatile expression used to affirm truthfulness or sincerity across diverse contexts. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable. Its frequency in news and media demonstrates its role in conveying integrity and trustworthiness. While simple, its appropriate usage can add weight to an argument or reinforce a positive attribute. Be mindful to apply it logically and relevantly to maintain clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is truthful

Replaces "honest" with a direct synonym, "truthful", maintaining a focus on accuracy and factuality.

it is sincere

Emphasizes genuineness and lack of pretense, suggesting a deeper level of authenticity than just honesty.

it is genuine

Similar to "sincere", but often implies authenticity and originality, not just a lack of deceit.

it is candid

Highlights straightforwardness and openness in communication, sometimes implying a willingness to speak frankly even if it's uncomfortable.

it is frank

Shares the same meaning as "candid", but it's a bit more formal than "candid".

it is forthright

Similar to "candid" and "frank", this emphasizes directness and clarity, without evasion or ambiguity.

it is veracious

A more formal and less common synonym for "honest", emphasizing a commitment to telling the truth.

it is trustworthy

Shifts the focus from the statement itself to the reliability of the source or subject being discussed.

it is aboveboard

Emphasizes transparency and ethical behavior, suggesting that all actions are open to scrutiny and free from hidden agendas.

it is unimpeachable

It suggests that something is so honest and true that it cannot be doubted or challenged.

FAQs

How can I use "it is honest" in a sentence?

You can use "it is honest" to describe something that is truthful or sincere. For example, "It is honest of him to admit his mistake" or "The report, while critical, it is honest in its assessment."

What are some alternatives to saying "it is honest"?

Alternatives include "it is truthful", "it is sincere", or "it is genuine", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always positive to say something "it is honest"?

While honesty is generally valued, saying something "it is honest" can sometimes soften criticism or introduce a potentially unwelcome truth. The impact depends on context and delivery.

What's the difference between saying "it is honest" and "it is the truth"?

"It is honest" often implies a judgment about the speaker's intention or character, suggesting they are being truthful. "It is the truth" focuses more on the factual accuracy of the statement itself.