to be honest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'to be honest' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to signal that the speaker is expressing an opinion or truth that is sincere, and will usually be followed by an opinion or statement of truth. For example: "To be honest, I didn't like the movie very much."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To be honest, yes.

The New York Times - Magazine

SUEANN: To be honest.

The New Yorker

"And to be honest?

The New York Times - Sports

"To be honest?

The New York Times - Sports

Don't know to be honest.

Independent

You've got to be honest.

The New York Times

I'm going to be honest.

The New York Times

"You have to be honest".

The New York Times

"To be honest with you?

The New York Times

Not really, to be honest.

The New York Times

Never were, to be honest.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be honest" to introduce a viewpoint that might be unexpected or contrary to what others might think. It signals that you're about to share your genuine feelings or thoughts.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "to be honest". Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and insincere. Vary your sentence structure and use alternative phrases to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

"To be honest" functions as a discourse marker or pragmatic marker. It signals to the listener or reader that the speaker is about to express a sincere or frank opinion. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase's purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

13%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be honest" is a prevalent phrase used to introduce sincere opinions or frank statements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While highly versatile, remember to vary your language and avoid overuse. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, and alternative phrasing like "frankly speaking" or "in all honesty" can be used for a subtle change of tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in all honesty

Similar in meaning but emphasizes the sincerity of the statement.

I'll be honest with you

A more personal and direct way to express honesty.

to tell you the truth

A more conversational and personal way to introduce a candid statement.

if I'm being honest

Highlights the speaker's personal perspective and honesty.

in my honest opinion

Emphasizes that the statement is the speaker's sincere belief.

frankly speaking

Replaces "to be honest" with a more direct and potentially blunt tone.

truth be told

Adds a slightly dramatic or revealing tone compared to "to be honest".

to be frank

Implies a more assertive and potentially critical honesty.

honestly

A shorter, more direct alternative that conveys the same meaning.

candidly

A more formal and direct synonym.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be honest" to introduce a frank or sincere statement, such as, "To be honest, I didn't enjoy the party very much".

What are some alternatives to using "to be honest"?

Consider using alternatives like "frankly speaking", "in all honesty", or "to tell you the truth" to add variety to your writing.

Is it always appropriate to use "to be honest"?

While generally acceptable, consider your audience and the context. In some formal situations, a more direct or professional phrasing might be preferable. Overusing it can also diminish its impact.

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

"To be honest" is a phrase used to introduce a sincere statement, while "honestly" is an adverb that modifies the verb. You might say, "To be honest, I don't know the answer" or "I honestly don't know the answer".