sincere

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sincere" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe genuine feelings, intentions, or expressions, often in the context of communication or emotions. Example: "I want to express my sincere gratitude for your support during this difficult time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The magazine seems to be entirely sincere in its anarchic expressions of disdain toward organized religion.

The Guardian - Books

"Charles's family would first like to thank the public and politicians who have been so warm in their tributes to him and so sincere in their concern for us," the statement said.

The Guardian

It's always good to hear a notably sincere MP thinking outside familiar boxes, though it's hard to imagine Nigel Farage enjoying Carswell's thoughts as much as I did.

The Guardian

I'd like to use this space to offer a sincere and formal apology.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Stewart's first monologue following the attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001 was sincere, touching and incredibly difficult to watch.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But then he bungled it all by writing a sincere immigration reform bill.

The Guardian - Opinion

But both Paddick and Zinzan were, I believe, sincere in their own desire for the open admittance and upfront discussion of error.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Not a very sincere one but there are circumstances in which we could do a deal with him – but the referendum has got to be a proper one and not in 2017".

The Guardian

The company is paying you a lot of money to sound sincere, and irony is not welcome - even after you've finished the gig.

The Guardian

No wonder, then, that Winterbottom and Brand's documentary-cum- state-of-the-nation address The Emperor's New Clothes feels so sincere – it's a howl of rage at a political and economic system that the two evidently find nauseous.

The Guardian - Film

In a message to the Irish president, Mary McAleese, the Queen said: "Please will you convey my sincere condolences to his family".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering apologies or condolences, using "sincere" can make your expression of sympathy feel more personal and impactful.

Common error

While "sincere" is appropriate in many situations, avoid overusing it, especially in formal or business communication. Over-reliance on this single adjective can weaken your message. Instead, consider using synonyms like "genuine", "earnest", or "heartfelt" to convey similar meanings with greater nuance and impact.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "sincere" functions primarily to qualify a noun, indicating that the noun (such as a feeling, intention, or expression) is genuine and free from deceit. Ludwig AI shows that this word adds a layer of authenticity and trustworthiness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Opinion

12%

Film

5%

Less common in

Music

5%

Books

5%

Lifestyle

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "sincere" is a versatile term used to convey authenticity and genuineness. Ludwig AI confirms the word is grammatically correct and highly usable. As seen in numerous examples, it appears frequently in News & Media contexts, and is also prevalent in expressing opinions and describing film. The term is considered neutral in formality, making it suitable for various forms of communication. When aiming to convey honesty, genuineness and heartfelt intention, "sincere" is a strong and reliable choice. However, it's wise to vary your vocabulary to avoid repetition, using synonyms like "genuine" or "heartfelt" to maintain a dynamic and impactful tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuine

Expresses authenticity and lack of pretense, closely mirroring "sincere".

earnest

Conveys a deep and serious commitment or intention, similar to "sincere".

heartfelt

Emphasizes the emotional depth and genuineness of a feeling or expression, akin to "sincere".

authentic

Highlights the real and true nature of something, reflecting the honesty of "sincere".

honest

Focuses on truthfulness and integrity, overlapping with the meaning of "sincere".

forthright

Implies directness and honesty in communication, sharing the candid aspect of "sincere".

candid

Suggests openness and frankness, akin to the genuine nature of "sincere".

real

Indicates something is genuine and not artificial, mirroring the authenticity of "sincere".

unfeigned

Stresses the absence of pretense or artificiality, similar to the purity of "sincere".

true

Emphasizes the factual and genuine nature of something, reflecting the integrity of "sincere".

FAQs

How can I use "sincere" in a sentence?

You can use "sincere" to describe genuine feelings, intentions, or expressions. For example, "I offer my "sincere" apologies for the error" or "He expressed "sincere" gratitude for their help".

What words can I use instead of "sincere"?

Alternatives to "sincere" include "genuine", "earnest", "heartfelt", or "authentic", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "sincere apologies" or "heartfelt apologies"?

Both "sincere apologies" and "heartfelt apologies" are appropriate, but "heartfelt apologies" emphasizes the depth of emotion, while "sincere apologies" focuses on the genuineness of the remorse.

Can "sincere" be used to describe actions, or only feelings?

"Sincere" can describe both actions and feelings. You can have a "sincere" apology (action) or "sincere" gratitude (feeling). The key is that the action or feeling must be genuine and without pretense.