not being forthcoming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not being forthcoming" is correct and can be commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone's lack of openness or willingness to share information or feelings. Example: Despite repeated requests, John's boss was not being forthcoming about the company's financial situation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"What is the motive for not being forthcoming?

The New Yorker

"Voters smell when you're not being forthcoming," Mr. Stringer said.

The New York Times

Other doctors, too, have complained about patients not being forthcoming about possible exposure to Ebola.

Independent

Dick Cheney has set a standard in Washington for not being forthcoming about answering legitimate questions.

The New York Times

"It is clear that Mitt Romney is not being forthcoming with the people of Massachusetts," Ms. O'Brien said.

The New York Times

He had been suspended for five games for not being forthcoming with investigators about his knowledge that players, including the star quarterback Terrelle Pryor, had received improper benefits.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Offers have not been forthcoming.

The New York Times

Yet legislation has not been forthcoming.

The Economist

And they've not been forthcoming.

The New York Times

"They have not been forthcoming".

The New York Times

It has not been forthcoming.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not being forthcoming" to describe a consistent pattern of behavior, rather than a single isolated incident.

Common error

Avoid assuming that someone "not being forthcoming" is intentionally malicious; they may have valid reasons for withholding information, such as privacy concerns or legal obligations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not being forthcoming" functions as a gerund phrase, typically used as a noun or part of a noun phrase. It describes the act of withholding information or failing to be transparent. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

2%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not being forthcoming" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a lack of openness or transparency. As Ludwig AI indicates, its primary function is to criticize or highlight someone's unwillingness to share information, often in news and media contexts. While it is a neutral expression suitable for various situations, understanding its connotations and potential alternatives, such as "being evasive" or "holding back information", can enhance your writing precision. Remember to provide context and avoid assuming malicious intent when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being unforthcoming

A more formal synonym, emphasizing a lack of cooperation in providing information.

holding back information

Stresses the act of withholding details or facts.

being evasive

Focuses on avoiding directness in answering or providing information.

being tight-lipped

Implies a deliberate refusal to speak openly about something.

being close-mouthed

Similar to tight-lipped, suggesting a reluctance to talk.

being secretive

Emphasizes the act of keeping information hidden or confidential.

being uncommunicative

Highlights a lack of willingness to share information or engage in conversation.

being dishonest

Directly implies a lack of truthfulness.

being untruthful

Suggests a deviation from the truth.

being reserved

Indicates a cautious or restrained approach to sharing personal information or opinions.

FAQs

What does "not being forthcoming" mean?

It means someone is unwilling to provide information, answer questions openly, or share details about something. It implies a lack of candor or transparency.

What can I say instead of "not being forthcoming"?

You can use alternatives like "being evasive", "being secretive", or "holding back information" depending on the context.

Is "not being forthcoming" a formal or informal expression?

It's a relatively neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although alternatives like "being unforthcoming" might be slightly more formal.

How to use "not being forthcoming" in a sentence?

Example: "The witness was accused of "not being forthcoming" during the investigation."