rather candid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather candid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is being open and honest, often in a straightforward or blunt manner. Example: "During the meeting, she was rather candid about the challenges the team was facing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

He makes the rather candid confession that he's never actually read the book, instead taking his queues for costume from the script and from the book's author EL James, who he explains was "there all the time to be a touchstone if questions came up".

Independent

In a round-table player discussion about head injuries published by GQ Tuesday morning, Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Hines Ward was rather candid: He said that "nobody paid attention" to the N.F.L.'s video about illegal tackles in October; that the league is "hypocritical" about player safety; and said that players are still hiding their concussions from doctors as passionately as ever.

The New York Times

When the journalist Katrin Bennhold of the International Herald Tribune asked the panel of women from Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain and Egypt whether they perceive Western women to be charging around with notions of what is best for them, the answer was rather candid.

The New York Times

He said the rebels "have been rather candid in discussing it with us as to whether it makes the best sense or not for them to go into the city".] As alliance forces prepare to attack, the absence of one man, Ahmed Shah Massoud, will hover over them.

The New York Times

Michael Brown, Fuhrman said just a few days ago, was "the suspect from the very beginning to the very end", a rather candid expression of racial profiling – invoking, as it does, the criminalization of the black male body from the cradle to the grave.

The Guardian - Opinion

In his rather candid admission, Mr Zardari said Pakistan had to act according to its capabilities and expressed the government's fears of a likely backlash in the event of a fresh army offensive.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Of the network anchors, Mr. Rather has been the most candid about the abysmal performance of TV news in the years since it has been forced to become highly profitable.

The New York Times

She asked that the photos with each guest be posed rather than candid.

The New York Times

This should not be just a balance sheet of progress, but rather a candid review of the history, warts and all.

The Guardian - Opinion

Having a competent leader who is candid rather than evasive is critical to building and maintaining reputation.

The Guardian

In the past, even Lib Dem leaders have taken this approach rather than be candid about the implications of a hung parliament.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rather candid" to describe someone who is being honest and direct, especially when their statements might be surprising or unconventional. It adds a nuanced layer to their openness.

Common error

Avoid using "rather candid" in highly formal or professional contexts where a more diplomatic or tactful tone is preferred. Consider using alternatives like "quite frank" or "fairly open" to maintain a more polished and appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather candid" functions as an intensifier ("rather") modifying an adjective ("candid"). It serves to describe the degree to which someone is being open, honest, and straightforward. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is considered correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rather candid" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that functions as an intensifier modifying the adjective "candid". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is used to describe a noticeable level of openness, often in a straightforward or blunt manner. Primarily found in news and media contexts, it carries a neutral to slightly formal register. While "rather candid" is useful for nuanced descriptions of honesty, it's important to consider the setting and choose more diplomatic alternatives, such as "quite frank" or "fairly open", in highly formal environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite frank

Indicates a similar level of directness but might imply a slightly higher degree of bluntness.

somewhat open

Suggests a degree of transparency but may lack the intensity of "candid".

fairly blunt

Emphasizes directness, possibly to the point of being perceived as insensitive.

pretty honest

Highlights truthfulness, although it might not always imply complete openness.

remarkably sincere

Focuses on genuineness and earnestness, but not necessarily directness.

outspoken to some degree

Indicates a willingness to express opinions freely, but can apply when directness is limited.

moderately forthright

Conveys a level of directness that is neither excessively bold nor hesitant.

slightly transparent

Suggests openness and clarity, but to a lesser extent than "candid".

relatively plain-spoken

Highlights the clarity and simplicity of expression, but may miss the element of honesty.

somewhat straightforward

Focuses on the directness and simplicity of communication, but not necessarily honesty or openness.

FAQs

How can I use "rather candid" in a sentence?

You can use "rather candid" to describe someone's honesty or directness in a statement, like: "She was "rather candid" about her mistakes during the presentation."

What's a more formal alternative to "rather candid"?

In more formal settings, consider using phrases like "quite frank", "fairly open", or "somewhat direct" instead of "rather candid" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it appropriate to use "rather candid" in business writing?

While "rather candid" isn't inherently inappropriate for business writing, it depends on the context. If the situation calls for tact, consider alternatives. However, in scenarios valuing transparency, it can be suitable.

What's the difference between "rather candid" and "completely honest"?

"Rather candid" implies a level of openness that might be unexpected or unconventional, whereas "completely honest" simply emphasizes the truthfulness of a statement. "Rather candid" adds a layer of surprise or unusual directness.