squarely

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "squarely" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adverb that is often used to describe something that is done in a direct and precise manner. For example, "She looked him squarely in the eyes and told him that she wanted him to leave."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The avowedly secular, pro-European community – at the last count 120,000-strong 120,000-strong blame, squarely, withashe neo-IslaidstheK party led blamerkey'squarelysingly authoritarian president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

The Guardian

Speaking on a visit to Govan shipyard in Glasgow on Friday, the prime minister said the responsibility for what had happened in Ukraine "lies absolutely squarely with Vladimir Putin and Russia", and a strong response was needed.

The Guardian

Labour has to face squarely the challenge confronting it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Greece's government has blasted its creditors for holding back progress on bailout talks, laying the blame squarely on differences between the European Union and the International Monetary Fund.

The Guardian

More importantly still, focusing on responses fails to put the blame squarely where it really belongs – with the perpetrator.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

SNL originally aired the commercial parody for Annuale – the birth control that only gave you a period once a year – in 2008, when reproductive politics were swinging wildly towards the conservative side and women's rights were squarely under attack (well, more than they usually are).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"But one of the things that sets America apart from many other nations, one of the things that makes us exceptional, is our willingness to confront squarely our imperfections and to learn from our mistakes".

The Guardian

Tonight he seemed to be facing that possibility squarely for the first time.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's an agenda that fits squarely with Nigel Farage's, following Ukip's triumph coming second and beating the Tories in Eastleigh, leaving the party leader relishing next year's elections for the European parliament.

The Guardian

Repeated expressions of optimism by the Greek government not only ran contrary to reality, but were aimed squarely at stopping a run on the banks, they believe.

The Guardian - Business

Many young women I have spoken to have endured groping and unwanted touching that falls squarely under the UK law on sexual assault, but would never dream of reporting it to the police because we live in a world in which it is considered a normal part of being a woman, or "just a bit of banter".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "squarely" to emphasize directness or responsibility, especially when assigning blame or facing challenges head-on.

Common error

Avoid using "squarely" to describe something that is literally square; reserve it for metaphorical directness or firmness.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "squarely" functions primarily to modify verbs, adverbs, or adjectives, indicating the manner in which an action is performed or a quality is exhibited. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "squarely" is a versatile adverb used to convey directness, honesty, or firmness. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and utility across various writing contexts. Its frequent appearance in news and media sources suggests its utility in professional and accessible language, while it's also common in business and scientific contexts. Whether assigning blame, facing challenges, or emphasizing honesty, "squarely" effectively reinforces the message with clarity and strength. While "squarely" is grammatically sound and commonly used, it should not be employed to describe physical shapes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

straightforwardly

Conveys simplicity and clarity, closely aligned with "squarely" in its un complicated approach.

directly

Emphasizes straightforwardness and lack of ambiguity, similar to "squarely" but with a stronger sense of immediacy.

honestly

Focuses on truthfulness and sincerity, akin to "squarely" in its candid aspect.

frankly

Highlights openness and candor, comparable to "squarely" in its unreserved nature.

point-blank

Stresses directness to the extent of being blunt or abrupt, more forceful than "squarely".

firmly

Underscores resoluteness and steadiness, akin to "squarely" in its stable aspect.

bluntly

Highlights forthrightness to the point of being tactless, a more severe form of "squarely's" directness.

solidly

Implies strength and stability, similar to "squarely" in its robust manner.

resolutely

Conveys determination and unwavering focus, akin to "squarely" in its steadfast nature.

unflinchingly

Emphasizes courage and steadfastness in the face of adversity, comparable to "squarely" in its resolute aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "squarely" in a sentence?

Use "squarely" to emphasize a direct, honest, or firm approach. For example, "He looked me "squarely" in the eye."

What does "squarely" mean?

"Squarely" means in a direct, honest, or firm manner. It can also mean solidly or at right angles, though this is less common.

Which is correct, "squarely on" or "squarely upon"?

"Squarely on" is the more common and natural phrasing in modern English. "Squarely upon" is archaic but grammatically acceptable.

What can I say instead of "squarely"?

You can use alternatives like "directly", "honestly", or "straightforwardly" depending on the specific context.