to be earnest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be earnest" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when describing someone who is sincere, serious, and showing genuine intent or effort towards something. Example: I could tell by the way he spoke and the earnest look on his face that he was truly sorry for his mistake. In this sentence, "to be earnest" is used to convey the sincerity and seriousness of the person's apology.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Like many Germans, Berliners tend to be earnest and straightforward.

The Economist

William made a mental note never to be earnest with Bridey.

The New Yorker

The people who get nominated for things tend to be earnest 24/7.

The Guardian - Film

It seems now it has to be earnest to be good.

The Guardian

You need to be earnest, but you can't be too earnest.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This one may seem a little too "earnest", but sometimes, isn't it important to be earnest?

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

I don't want to preach or be earnest in books, especially for young readers.

Los Angeles Times

He should be earnest and truthful.

Asia-Pacific Science Education

Be earnest.

WikiHow

That they are, or would like to believe they are, earnest and idealistic — relentlessly, boringly so.

The New Yorker

Allen's love letter to the city is earnest and gravely romantic.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be earnest" when you want to convey a sense of deep sincerity and commitment. It's particularly effective when emphasizing the genuineness of one's intentions or feelings.

Common error

Avoid using "to be earnest" as an excuse for being humorless or overly serious in situations where levity is appropriate. Earnestness should complement, not replace, other social skills.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be earnest" functions primarily as an infinitive phrase used to describe a state of being or an intention. As Ludwig AI points out, it conveys a sense of deep sincerity and commitment, often used to highlight the genuineness of one's actions or feelings. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its role in expressing serious and heartfelt intent.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be earnest" is a versatile phrase used to convey sincerity, genuineness, and deep commitment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and finds its place across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While not overly formal, it carries a weight of meaning, suggesting thoughtful communication. Related phrases, such as "to be sincere" and "to be genuine", offer nuanced alternatives, and it's essential to avoid mistaking earnestness for a lack of humor. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively wield "to be earnest" to enhance your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be sincere

Focuses more on genuineness of feeling and intention.

to be genuine

Emphasizes authenticity and lack of pretense.

to be serious

Highlights the gravity and importance the speaker attaches to the subject.

to be truthful

Stresses adherence to facts and honesty.

to be frank

Suggests openness and directness in communication.

to be forthright

Implies honesty and straightforwardness, sometimes with a hint of boldness.

to be candid

Highlights impartiality and a lack of reservation in expressing one's views.

to be devout

Highlights a deep, often religious, commitment and earnestness.

to be ardent

Conveys enthusiasm and passionate sincerity.

to be heartfelt

Focuses on the depth of feeling and emotional sincerity.

FAQs

How can I use "to be earnest" in a sentence?

You can use "to be earnest" to describe someone's sincere intention or effort, such as "He tried "to be sincere" in his apology" or "She strived "to be genuine" in her interactions".

What are some alternatives to "to be earnest"?

Alternatives include "to be sincere", "to be genuine", "to be serious", or "to be truthful", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "to be earnest" or "to be serious"?

While both convey a lack of levity, "to be earnest" emphasizes sincerity and deep commitment, while "to be serious" focuses on the gravity or importance of the matter. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intended meaning.

When is it inappropriate to use "to be earnest"?

It might be inappropriate to use "to be earnest" in informal settings or when humor is expected. Overusing it can also make one seem overly intense or lacking in a sense of humor. Consider the context and audience before using the phrase.