quite frankly

USAGE SUMMARY

"quite frankly" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that you are speaking directly and honestly about something. For example, "Quite frankly, I think you should find a different solution to this problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Quite frankly, it's irrelevant.

Independent

That's quite frankly ridiculous".

The New York Times - Sports

"Quite frankly, it's shocking".

The New York Times

I quite frankly do.

The Washington Post

Quite frankly, it's refreshing.

The Washington Post

"Quite frankly, I was".

The New York Times

That hurts quite frankly".

The Guardian - Film

Fuck that, quite frankly.

The Guardian - Books

"Quite frankly, they need me".

The New York Times

Quite frankly, so am I.

The New York Times

"Quite frankly, it'll never happen".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite frankly" to introduce a statement of your genuine opinion, especially when it might be perceived as critical or contrary to common beliefs. It adds emphasis and signals that you are being forthright.

Common error

Avoid using "quite frankly" excessively in formal writing, as it can come across as overly assertive or even aggressive. Consider more neutral alternatives like "honestly" or "in my opinion" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite frankly" functions as a discourse marker or adverbial phrase, modifying the following statement. It serves to emphasize the speaker's or writer's candor and directness in expressing their opinion or assessment. Ludwig confirms that it is indeed a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite frankly" is a common adverbial phrase used to emphasize directness and sincerity in expressing an opinion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal writing to prevent sounding overly assertive. Remember to consider context and audience when using "quite frankly" to ensure the message is received as intended. Alternatives like "to be honest" or "in my opinion" may be more suitable depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frankly speaking

A very close synonym, emphasizing directness. Slightly more formal than "quite frankly".

in all honesty

Emphasizes the truthfulness of the statement. It carries a slightly more serious tone than "quite frankly".

to be honest

Indicates sincerity and openness in expressing one's view. It's less emphatic than "quite frankly".

candidly speaking

Highlights the candor of the statement, often used in formal settings. It's more formal than "quite frankly".

to be blunt

Highlights the directness of the statement, possibly implying a lack of tact. It's more forceful than "quite frankly".

let's be honest

Encourages shared candor. It's more conversational and inclusive than "quite frankly".

in my honest opinion

Clearly marks the statement as a personal belief. It shifts the focus slightly from directness to personal viewpoint compared to "quite frankly".

if I'm being honest

Suggests a reflection before sharing a sincere thought. It softens the directness compared to "quite frankly".

truthfully

Simply conveys that what is said is the truth. It's more straightforward and less emphatic than "quite frankly".

to tell you the truth

Implies that the speaker is about to reveal something that may be surprising or not commonly known. More narrative than "quite frankly".

FAQs

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

Use "quite frankly" to introduce a statement of your honest opinion or assessment, especially when you want to emphasize your directness. For example, "Quite frankly, I don't agree with your approach."

What are some alternatives to "quite frankly"?

Alternatives include "to be honest", "to be blunt", or "in all honesty", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "quite frankly" appropriate for formal writing?

While "quite frankly" isn't inherently inappropriate, it can sometimes be perceived as too assertive in formal contexts. Consider using more neutral phrases like "honestly" or "in my opinion" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "frankly" and "quite frankly"?

Adding "quite" before "frankly" intensifies the directness and emphasis of the statement. While "frankly" is straightforward, "quite frankly" signals an even greater degree of candor and forthrightness.