speak frankly

USAGE SUMMARY

"speak frankly" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to indicate that someone should be honest or forthright in their speech. Example: "In order to effectively resolve this issue, we need to speak frankly and address any underlying concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

First, he should speak frankly.

The New York Times

And that is - to speak frankly - bullshit.

The Economist

"I want to speak frankly," he said.

The New York Times

"I will speak frankly," he said.

The New Yorker

Look what happens when you speak frankly.

The Guardian - Film

"Let me speak frankly," she said.

The New Yorker

"Roadie," he said, "how often do men speak frankly?

The New Yorker

This will be an opportunity to speak frankly.

Independent

But leaders have to speak frankly to their populations".

The New York Times

"They speak frankly to each other, without subterfuge," she said.

The New York Times

Some speak frankly about the dilemmas of dating.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "speak frankly" when you want to encourage open and honest communication in a potentially sensitive or difficult situation.

Common error

While "speak frankly" encourages honesty, ensure your message is delivered with tact and consideration to avoid causing unnecessary offense or discomfort. Consider the audience and context before choosing to "speak frankly".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "speak frankly" is to act as a verb phrase, indicating the manner in which someone communicates. Ludwig shows it's commonly used to introduce a direct or honest statement. It modifies the verb, adding detail about the style of speaking.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "speak frankly" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that encourages open and honest communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, including news, media, and professional settings. While using this expression, be mindful of the balance between honesty and tact to ensure your message is well-received. Related phrases include "speak openly", "speak candidly", and "speak honestly", each offering a slight nuance in conveying directness. Remember to tailor your communication style to your audience and context for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

speak openly

Suggests a lack of reservation in expressing one's thoughts.

speak candidly

Emphasizes sincerity and honesty in the conversation.

speak honestly

Highlights the truthfulness of the message being conveyed.

speak truthfully

Focuses on adhering to facts and avoiding deception.

speak plainly

Implies clarity and simplicity in the way something is communicated.

speak directly

Highlights the absence of intermediaries in the communication.

speak bluntly

Indicates a straightforward and possibly tactless way of speaking.

speak forthrightly

Implies a confident and direct manner of speaking.

be upfront

Suggests being honest and open from the beginning.

mince no words

Indicates a refusal to soften or sugarcoat one's message.

FAQs

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

You can use "speak frankly" to introduce a direct and honest statement, such as, "Let me "speak frankly", this project is behind schedule and needs immediate attention."

What does it mean to "speak frankly"?

To "speak frankly" means to express your thoughts and opinions in an honest and straightforward manner, without holding back or trying to sugarcoat the truth.

When is it appropriate to "speak frankly"?

It is appropriate to "speak frankly" when honesty and clarity are essential for resolving issues, making decisions, or building trust, but it's important to balance frankness with tact and empathy.

What are some alternatives to "speak frankly"?

Some alternatives to "speak frankly" include "speak openly", "speak candidly", or "speak honestly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.