to be forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be forward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is direct or assertive in their communication or behavior, often in a way that may be considered bold or presumptuous. Example: "I appreciate your honesty, but I think it's a bit too forward to ask for a raise on your first day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

"This is meant to be forward looking and potentially expansive".

The New York Times

"Cities will need to be forward thinking, agile and smart in the way that they respond.

The Guardian

"This one is clearly designed to be forward looking and to produce more organizing".

The New York Times

"They want somebody, even if times are not great, to be forward looking and optimistic".

The New York Times

And to think that these solutions come from people claiming to be forward thinking?

The Guardian - Music

The last pass in Koroibete's try from Ben Hampton also appeared to be forward.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

"We are trying to be forward-thinking.

Harvard University

"At the same time, we want to be forward-thinking".

The New York Times - Arts

"We have to be forward-looking and outward-looking".

The Guardian

"The purpose of this hearing was to be forward-looking," he began.

The New Yorker

"We will continue to be forward-thinking and open-minded to resolve this challenge".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be forward", be mindful of the context and audience to ensure your directness is perceived as assertive rather than presumptuous. Consider softening the approach with polite phrasing to avoid unintended offense.

Common error

Avoid using "to be forward" in situations where subtlety and tact are required. Overly direct approaches can damage relationships and undermine your objectives. Assess the situation carefully and consider more diplomatic alternatives when necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be forward" functions primarily as an infinitive phrase that often modifies a verb, adjective, or noun. It describes a manner of behavior or communication characterized by directness, boldness, or potential presumptuousness. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in describing someone who is being direct in their actions or speech.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be forward" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe direct or assertive behavior that might be considered bold. Ludwig AI indicates its usage is relatively uncommon, spanning across news, academic, and wiki contexts. While the phrase can be useful, careful attention should be paid to the context to avoid negative connotations, as the phrase can sometimes imply being presumptuous. Alternatives like "to be direct" or "to be assertive" may be more appropriate depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be direct

Focuses on straightforwardness in communication, omitting the potential boldness implied by the original phrase.

to be assertive

Emphasizes confidence and a firm stance, shifting the focus from potential presumptuousness.

to be bold

Highlights courage and willingness to take risks, potentially softening the negative connotations.

to be proactive

Implies taking initiative and anticipating needs, altering the sense of directness.

to take initiative

Focuses on being the first to act or propose something, removing the aspect of potential overstepping.

to be forthcoming

Stresses openness and willingness to share information, slightly changing the context.

to be candid

Highlights honesty and frankness, modifying the implication of boldness.

to be outspoken

Emphasizes expressing opinions freely and publicly, which slightly transforms the meaning.

to make advances

Suggests progress or development but can also imply unwanted directness, especially in romantic contexts.

to express oneself openly

Shifts emphasis to freedom of expression, altering the sense of potential presumptuousness.

FAQs

How can I use "to be forward" correctly in a sentence?

Use "to be forward" to describe someone who is direct or assertive in their communication or behavior, often in a way that may be considered bold or presumptuous. For example: "I told her that I hate "to be forward", but I think we're going to have to get married."

What are some alternatives to "to be forward"?

You can use alternatives like "to be direct", "to be assertive", or "to be bold" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "to be forward"?

It's appropriate when you want to describe someone's behavior as being direct and possibly exceeding social norms or expectations. Be mindful of the potential negative connotations.

Is there a difference between "to be forward" and "to be aggressive"?

"To be forward" implies directness and potential boldness, while "to be aggressive" suggests hostility or forceful behavior. They are not interchangeable; aggression carries a more negative connotation.