speak your mind

USAGE SUMMARY

"speak your mind" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to encourage someone to make their opinion or feelings known. For example, you could say: "I don't always agree with what you have to say, but I think it's important to speak your mind and be true to yourself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just speak your mind.

Harvard Business Review

"It is not bullying to speak your mind.

Independent

"It is not bullying to speak your mind," he said.

The Guardian

Now it's considered to be unpatriotic to speak your mind".

The Guardian - Music

Speak your mind freely, but own up to it.

The New Yorker

"You're allowed to speak your mind," Mr. Malloy said.

The New York Times

If you speak your mind as a chairman, you're 'astounding'astounding

The Guardian - Sport

Be yourself, speak your mind and have fun! 7.

The Guardian

— and your sense of righteous indignation grows and doesn't subside until you speak your mind, profanely.

The New Yorker

Through our efforts we must support those basic rights to speak your mind and access information.

The New York Times

My hope is that you'll speak your mind and stick with the ladies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "speak your mind", be mindful of the context. Ensure it's a safe and appropriate environment for expressing potentially controversial or sensitive opinions.

Common error

Avoid using "speak your mind" in situations where tact and diplomacy are crucial. Sometimes, it's better to carefully consider the impact of your words rather than blurting out whatever comes to mind.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speak your mind" functions as an imperative, urging someone to express their thoughts and opinions openly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely recognized and grammatically sound for conveying this message.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "speak your mind" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that encourages open and honest communication. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts but is applicable across various registers, predominantly neutral to informal. Ludwig AI validates its appropriateness for expressing the importance of directness. While encouraging honesty, consider the context and audience to ensure tact and diplomacy are maintained. Alternatives such as "express your views" or "voice your opinion" can be used for nuances in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

express your views

Focuses on conveying opinions or perspectives.

voice your opinion

Emphasizes the act of making one's beliefs or judgments known.

share your thoughts

Implies a more casual and open exchange of ideas.

make your feelings known

Highlights the communication of emotions rather than just thoughts.

be frank

Suggests direct and honest communication, potentially without tact.

don't hold back

Encourages unrestrained expression of thoughts and feelings.

air your grievances

Specifically refers to expressing complaints or dissatisfactions.

state your case

Indicates presenting an argument or point of view in a formal setting.

tell it like it is

Implies a blunt and unfiltered way of speaking.

put your cards on the table

Conveys complete honesty and transparency in a negotiation or discussion.

FAQs

How can I encourage someone to "speak their mind"?

Create a safe and non-judgmental environment where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. Assure them that their opinions are valued, even if they differ from your own.

What are some alternatives to "speak your mind"?

You can use alternatives like "express your views", "voice your opinion", or "make your feelings known", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to "speak your mind"?

No, there are situations where it's important to consider the potential impact of your words and exercise tact and diplomacy. It's crucial to assess the context and the audience before expressing your thoughts.

How can I "speak my mind" effectively without being offensive?

Choose your words carefully, be respectful of others' opinions, and focus on expressing your own perspective rather than attacking or criticizing others. Frame your thoughts in a constructive and considerate manner.