on the square

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the square" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom which is typically used to describe a situation in which someone is being honest and straightforward. For example: "When I asked John if he had taken the money, he looked me in the eye and answered 'on the square': no, he hadn't."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No one on the square was very impressed.

The New Yorker

Klein's was still on the square.

The New York Times

The shop's right on the square.

Independent

Life on the square had changed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

6 row normally for 20 strokes on the square.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And half the people on the square are thugs.

The New Yorker

On the square there was a great spirit of volunteerism.

The New Yorker

Sherif, like many on the square, was unimpressed: "Baradei?

The New Yorker

Pope: "How do you fancy a game on the square?

Independent

They can then put a cover on the square foam.

The New York Times

There was something surreal about the tanks on the square.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on the square" to mean honest, be aware that this usage is somewhat archaic. It's more common to use it to refer to a physical location.

Common error

Avoid using "on the square" to describe honesty in formal or modern contexts, as it may sound outdated or be misunderstood. Opt for more common synonyms like "honest", "forthright", or "upfront".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the square" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating location or state. Ludwig provides many examples showing this locative function in contexts like gatherings or events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

21%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on the square" is a versatile prepositional phrase that can refer to a physical location or, less commonly today, to honesty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, while its frequency is marked as "very common". Predominantly used in "News & Media" and "Academia", the phrase's meaning is largely context-dependent. While it is acceptable to use it to mean honest, it is worth noting that its use in that sense is diminishing and may be considered archaic. For those wishing to use it to denote honesty, be aware that alternative words may be more appropriate in modern writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In the town square

Emphasizes a more specific type of square, namely a town square.

In the plaza

Focuses specifically on the location being a plaza, altering the implication of the query.

At the center

Shifts from a literal square to a general central location.

At the rally

Specifies the gathering as a rally, narrowing the context.

At the demonstration

Highlights the gathering as a demonstration.

In the open

Highlights the lack of secrecy, changing the spatial focus.

In public

Generalizes the location to any public space.

Honestly

Replaces the spatial meaning with the concept of truthfulness.

Above board

Emphasizes fairness and legality.

Openly

Moves away from the location to the action of something being done without concealment.

FAQs

How can I use "on the square" in a sentence?

You can use "on the square" to describe something that is happening at/in the central area of a town/city. Alternatively, it can describe someone who is honest and direct, though this usage is less common today. For example: "The protesters gathered "in the town square"".

What does it mean when someone says "on the square"?

The phrase "on the square" has two primary meanings. It can refer to a physical location, like a town square. Alternatively, it can mean that someone is being honest and straightforward. The latter usage is less common in modern English.

What can I say instead of "on the square"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "honestly", "openly", or ""in the town square"". The best choice depends on whether you're referring to truthfulness or a location.

Is it more common to use "on the square" to describe a location or honesty?

While "on the square" can mean both, it's far more common today to use it to describe a physical location, such as a town square. The meaning of honesty is considered somewhat archaic.