say it outright

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "say it outright" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want someone to express something directly and without any ambiguity. Example: "If you have a problem with my decision, please say it outright instead of hinting at it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"People didn't have to say it outright," he said.

The New York Times

If you withdraw for economic reasons, say it outright.

The New Yorker

Williams did not say it outright, but for her, this was not a standard opener.

The New York Times - Sports

Nobody dares stand up and say it outright because it would be actionable.

The Guardian

Plus, our new house is nearing completion on Martha's Vineyard, a place that we knew, even if we didn't say it outright, we could make our final stand.

The New York Times

This subversive approach — "indirect communication" was the term he used repeatedly in "Concluding Unscientific Postscript" — was a way of saying: "Here is a secret that I cannot tell you — in fact, to say it outright would ruin it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Nobody said it outright.

The New York Times

"He never said it outright.

The New York Times

That's a bit disingenuous because they repeatedly insinuated that proposition even if they avoided saying it outright.

The New York Times

"Though he never says it outright, you begin to realize that he is a foosball player," Campanella said.

The New Yorker

Mr. Gore strongly suggested, without saying it outright, that the administration had focused on Saddam Hussein in part to divert attention from domestic problems during an election season.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "say it outright" when you want to encourage someone to be direct and avoid ambiguity. This phrase is particularly useful in situations where indirect communication might lead to misunderstanding.

Common error

While "say it outright" is generally acceptable, it can sometimes sound too informal for highly professional or academic settings. Consider using more formal alternatives like "state it explicitly" or "articulate it clearly" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "say it outright" functions as a phrasal verb that emphasizes the act of direct and unambiguous communication. It’s used to urge someone to express their thoughts or feelings openly, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "say it outright" is a common and grammatically sound way to encourage direct, unambiguous communication. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reliable sources. While generally neutral in tone, it leans towards informality, making it suitable for news, media, and everyday conversations, but potentially less appropriate for highly formal contexts. Related phrases include "state it directly" and "express it plainly", each offering slightly different nuances. Remember to use it judiciously, considering the context and audience to avoid being perceived as impolite or insensitive. The most frequent authoritative sources are The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

state it directly

Focuses on the act of stating something without hesitation.

express it plainly

Emphasizes clarity and simplicity in communication.

articulate it clearly

Highlights the act of expressing something in a well-defined manner.

put it bluntly

Suggests a frank and perhaps even harsh way of speaking.

spell it out

Implies making something extremely explicit and easy to understand.

make it clear

Focuses on ensuring that something is easily understood and unambiguous.

be forthright about it

Emphasizes honesty and directness in expressing something.

come right out and say it

Indicates overcoming hesitation to express something directly.

tell it like it is

Stresses honesty and a realistic perspective, even if it's unpleasant.

voice it openly

Highlights the act of expressing something without any concealment.

FAQs

How can I use "say it outright" in a sentence?

You can use "say it outright" to encourage direct communication. For example, "If you disagree with the plan, please "say it outright" instead of hinting at your concerns."

What does "say it outright" mean?

"Say it outright" means to express something clearly and directly, without ambiguity or hesitation. It implies a need for honesty and transparency in communication.

Are there situations where it's better not to "say it outright"?

Yes, there are situations where being too direct might be impolite or insensitive. Consider the context and your audience before choosing to "say it outright", especially when dealing with sensitive topics.

What's the difference between "say it outright" and "imply it"?

"Say it outright" means to state something directly, whereas "imply it" means to suggest something without explicitly stating it. The former is clear and unambiguous, while the latter relies on indirect communication and interpretation.