to be forthright

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be forthright" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express the idea of being direct, honest, and straightforward in communication. Example: "In our meeting, I want to be forthright about the challenges we are facing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But Mr Kwasniewski can afford to be forthright.

The Economist

"He considers the people there to be forthright and courageous".

The Guardian

Every now and then, it's important to be forthright".

The New York Times

"To be forthright, sir, I did very poorly in high school," Cpl.

The New York Times

MR. PARANJPE and other top managers advise companies to be forthright in their communications with employees.

The New York Times

But, he said, they ought to be forthright about what they are doing.

The New York Times

The job of an exhibition is to be forthright in exploring that ideology.

The New York Times - Arts

He's trying to be forthright because he believes he has a good patent.

The New York Times

His special guest is the Speaker of the Commons, John Bercow, so there's bound to be forthright discussion.

Independent

"We are going to be respectful; we are going to be forthright; we are going to be forward-moving.

The New Yorker

Romney has an uncanny ability to turn a bad thing into a worse thing by failing to be forthright.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and building trust, use "to be forthright" to signal your intention to communicate directly and honestly.

Common error

While "to be forthright" is generally well-regarded, overuse in casual settings can sound stilted. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "to be honest" or "to be direct" in informal conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be forthright" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used to express an intention or commitment to communicate directly and honestly. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from personal interactions to corporate communications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be forthright" is a commonly used infinitive phrase that indicates an intention to communicate directly and honestly. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and prevalence in news, media, and business contexts. While versatile, it is important to consider the formality of the setting and choose appropriate synonyms like "to be candid" or "to be direct" for informal conversations to avoid sounding stilted. Therefore, understanding the nuances of this phrase and its alternatives allows for more effective and context-aware communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be candid

Focuses on honesty and sincerity in expression, often implying a willingness to disclose information openly.

to be frank

Emphasizes straightforwardness, sometimes to the point of bluntness, in conveying one's thoughts or feelings.

to be direct

Highlights the absence of ambiguity or evasion in communication, focusing on clarity and explicitness.

to be straightforward

Indicates simplicity and clarity in one's approach or manner, lacking complexity or hidden motives.

to be honest

Stresses truthfulness and integrity in one's words and actions, prioritizing accuracy and sincerity.

to be upfront

Conveys openness and transparency from the beginning, ensuring that all relevant information is disclosed early on.

to be plain-spoken

Suggests a lack of pretension or artifice in one's speech, using simple and easily understood language.

to be blunt

Implies a directness that may be perceived as tactless or insensitive, prioritizing clarity over politeness.

to be clear

Focuses on avoiding ambiguity or confusion in communication, ensuring that one's message is easily understood.

to be explicit

Emphasizes thoroughness and detail in one's explanation, leaving nothing to implication or interpretation.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be forthright" to indicate your intention to be direct and honest. For example, "I want "to be forthright" with you about the challenges we face".

What are some alternatives to "to be forthright"?

Alternatives include "to be candid", "to be frank", or "to be direct" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "to be forthright" formal or informal?

"To be forthright" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. In very informal settings, simpler phrases like "to be honest" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "to be forthright" and "to be honest"?

While both terms relate to truthfulness, "to be forthright" emphasizes directness and openness in communication, whereas "to be honest" focuses more on the absence of deception. "To be forthright" also often implies a willingness to share information fully.