tell directly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tell directly" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone should communicate information in a clear and straightforward manner, without beating around the bush or using euphemisms. Here is an example sentence: "Please tell the CEO directly that our profits are down, rather than sugarcoating it in the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

We can't tell directly whether Mr. Ashcroft's post-9/11 policies are protecting the United States from terrorist attacks.

The New York Times

But it's not up to them to tell directly elected MEPs when they should be voting on something.

The Guardian

You can't tell directly whether he is really sick or has chosen to take the day off for other reasons, but you can look for circumstantial evidence.

The New York Times

"It can't tell directly what you're thinking, but it can tell when someone is getting bored in a video game and pick up the pace," Dr. Myhrvold said.

The New York Times - Tech

"To put that in more detail, it will be open for any survivor, if they wish, to be able to tell directly and in person a very senior and appropriate individual located in the appropriate organisation, their story and what occurred to them.

The Guardian

Like its astrophysical namesake, it's difficult to tell directly.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"I was never told directly that they wanted money," he said.

The New York Times

Suddenly everyone seemed to have a story to tell, and it could be told directly, not dressed up as fiction.

The New York Times - Books

The stories he tells, either overheard or told directly to him, are all carefully recorded, and sometimes completely untrue.

The Guardian - Books

But without being told directly that a deal was in the works, did the men actually have inside information?

The New York Times

"We are told directly, it's a red line if you cross from social media to the street," he explains.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tell directly" when you want to emphasize the importance of being clear, honest, and unambiguous in your communication. It's particularly useful in situations where indirectness could lead to misunderstandings or inefficiencies.

Common error

While "tell directly" is grammatically sound, be mindful of overusing it in informal contexts. In casual conversations, simpler alternatives like "just tell" or "be upfront" might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tell directly" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying the verb "tell". It specifies the manner in which information should be conveyed, emphasizing clarity and a lack of intermediaries. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tell directly" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase that encourages clear and straightforward communication. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in various contexts. While not overly formal, it's suitable for many situations, particularly in news and media, where unambiguous messaging is crucial. When using "tell directly", consider whether directness is indeed the most appropriate approach for the given situation, balancing clarity with diplomacy as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

state explicitly

Emphasizes clarity and lack of ambiguity in the communication.

communicate straightforwardly

Focuses on the direct and uncomplicated manner of communication.

express candidly

Highlights the honesty and openness in the communication.

convey plainly

Stresses the simplicity and ease of understanding in the message.

articulate clearly

Focuses on the precision and comprehensibility of the expression.

inform personally

Highlights the element of informing someone privately and directly, without intermediaries.

address personally

Stresses the individual and direct approach in dealing with someone.

make known transparently

Focuses on openness and visibility in sharing information.

disclose openly

Emphasizes the lack of secrecy or concealment in the communication.

get the message across

Focuses on the effectiveness of the communication in ensuring understanding.

FAQs

What does "tell directly" mean?

The phrase "tell directly" means to communicate something in a clear, straightforward, and unambiguous manner, without using euphemisms or indirect language.

How to use "tell directly" in a sentence?

You can use "tell directly" in sentences like, "Please "tell directly" what you think, without holding back" or "The manager asked the employee to "tell directly" if there were any problems with the project".

What can I say instead of "tell directly"?

You can use alternatives like "state explicitly", "communicate straightforwardly", or "express candidly" depending on the context.

Is it better to "tell directly" or to be more diplomatic?

Whether to ""tell directly"" or to be diplomatic depends on the situation. Directness is valuable when clarity and efficiency are paramount, while diplomacy is often necessary to maintain relationships and avoid causing offense.