quite frank

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite frank" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express honesty or directness in your communication. Example: "To be quite frank, I don't think this plan will work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was not quite 10 years old.

The New York Times

I'm quite '50s-oriented, really".

The New York Times

He died on June 2 , 1941 not quite 38.

The New York Times - Sports

Foxx, from Texas and real poverty, is not quite 40.

The Guardian - Film

New York came next; he still wasn't quite 13.

The New York Times

Not bad for someone who is not quite 40.

The Guardian - Music

She was not quite 13 when her mother married Hugh D. Auchincloss.

The New York Times

The result is a "car" not quite 45 inches wide.

The New York Times

She is not quite 5 feet 7 inches and weighs 115 pounds, her mother said.

The New York Times - Sports

Not quite 14 hours to do 7 hours' work, but something like that, compounding the weariness.

The New York Times - Health

DD So Ramya isn't quite 13 though she is almost 13.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite frank" when you want to express a direct and honest opinion, especially in situations where tact is less of a concern than clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "quite frank" excessively, as it can make your writing or speech sound unnecessarily blunt or aggressive. Consider softer alternatives like "to be honest" or "in my opinion" in more sensitive contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite frank" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying an adjective. It serves to intensify the adjective "frank", indicating a high degree of honesty and directness. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite frank" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a direct and honest opinion. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is used to intensify the adjective "frank", signaling candid and transparent communication. While acceptable in many contexts, it's essential to consider the level of formality and potential bluntness. Alternatives such as "to be honest" or "frankly speaking" may be more appropriate in sensitive situations. The phrase is most commonly found in news and science contexts and should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly assertive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frankly speaking

Similar to "quite frank" but places more emphasis on the act of speaking directly.

to be honest

Replaces "quite frank" with a more straightforward expression of honesty, suitable for informal settings.

to be perfectly honest

Emphasizes honesty to a greater degree than "quite frank", suggesting the speaker is being completely truthful.

candidly speaking

Substitutes "quite frank" with a more formal adverb emphasizing sincerity and openness.

to tell you the truth

Signals forthcoming honesty, often used to reveal something previously unsaid.

in all honesty

Offers a slightly emphatic alternative to "quite frank", underscoring the speaker's truthful intent.

truthfully

A direct adverbial replacement for "quite frank", highlighting the veracity of the statement.

to put it bluntly

Replaces "quite frank" with a phrase that suggests directness, possibly even to the point of being impolite.

if I'm being honest

Adds a personal touch, suggesting the speaker is reflecting honestly on their own feelings or opinions.

in truth

Provides a simpler, more concise way to introduce a candid statement.

FAQs

How can I use "quite frank" in a sentence?

You can use "quite frank" to introduce an honest or direct statement, such as: "To be "quite frank", I don't agree with your assessment."

What can I say instead of "quite frank"?

You can use alternatives like "to be honest", "frankly speaking", or "candidly speaking" depending on the context.

Is it too direct to use "quite frank" in professional communication?

While "quite frank" is acceptable, consider the level of formality required. In some cases, softening the phrase with alternatives like "to be honest" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "quite frank" and "to be honest"?

"Quite frank" suggests a more assertive and possibly less tactful approach than "to be honest", which is generally perceived as more neutral.