to be perfectly frank

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be perfectly frank" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express honesty or straightforwardness in your communication. Example: "To be perfectly frank, I don't think this plan will work as intended."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"To be perfectly frank, they are hard to loan".

The New York Times

To be perfectly frank, I don't write much.

The Guardian - Books

But, to be perfectly frank, your test results are very worrisome.

The New Yorker

To be perfectly frank, we weren't that fussy about whom we made it with.

The New York Times - Magazine

From the outset, you're almost on a hiding to nothing, to be perfectly frank.

The Guardian

I think they need to get a better designer for their labels, to be perfectly frank.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

No longer freighted with an agenda either real or presumed—I could be perfectly frank with him.

Harvard Business Review

"It's a loan society now, let's be perfectly frank," he commented.

BBC

"Yes, to be absolutely frank," he replied.

Los Angeles Times

Bernstein, who, as a personal manager, once played the star-maker to actresses such as Farrah Fawcett and Suzanne Somers, is perfectly frank about one of the side effects of Keach's incarceration.

Los Angeles Times

Mr Musk has been perfectly frank about his long-term aim: "to die on Mars, preferably not on impact".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be perfectly frank" to introduce a direct or potentially critical statement. This can help soften the impact by signaling your intention to be honest.

Common error

Avoid using "to be perfectly frank" too frequently, as it can make your communication sound insincere or overly critical. Vary your language to maintain authenticity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be perfectly frank" functions as a discourse marker or adverbial phrase. It prefaces a statement, signaling the speaker's intention to be direct and honest, often when delivering potentially unwelcome news or opinions, as supported by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be perfectly frank" is a commonly used adverbial phrase employed to signal directness and honesty. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It functions to preface potentially critical or sensitive statements, aiming to manage the recipient's reaction by emphasizing sincerity. While versatile, overuse can diminish its impact. Consider "to be completely honest" or "to be candid" as alternatives to maintain authenticity. It's most frequently found in News & Media, and Formal & Business contexts, reflecting a neutral to professional register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be completely honest

Emphasizes honesty without necessarily implying bluntness.

to be candid

Suggests a straightforward and sincere expression of one's views.

in all honesty

Highlights the sincerity and truthfulness of the statement.

to tell you the truth

Introduces a statement that may be surprising or contrary to expectations.

frankly speaking

Directly indicates that the speaker is being forthright.

to put it bluntly

Signals that the speaker is going to be direct, possibly without concern for politeness.

if I'm honest

Adds a personal element, emphasizing the speaker's own sincerity.

in my honest opinion

Highlights that the statement is based on personal belief.

to be upfront

Implies openness and transparency in communication.

let's be honest

Invites agreement or shared understanding of a potentially uncomfortable truth.

FAQs

How can I use "to be perfectly frank" in a sentence?

You can use "to be perfectly frank" to introduce an honest or direct statement, such as, "To be perfectly frank, I don't think this plan will work."

What are some alternatives to "to be perfectly frank"?

Alternatives include "to be completely honest", "to be candid", or "frankly speaking".

Is it ever inappropriate to use "to be perfectly frank"?

While generally acceptable, using "to be perfectly frank" may be inappropriate in situations requiring extreme tact or sensitivity. Consider your audience and the potential impact of your words.

What's the difference between "to be perfectly frank" and "in my opinion"?

"To be perfectly frank" introduces a statement of honesty, while "in my opinion" indicates a personal viewpoint. The former emphasizes truthfulness, and the latter emphasizes belief.