to be straightforward

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be straightforward" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
It is often used to mean to be frank or honest in expressing oneself. For example, "I'm going to be straightforward and tell you that I don't agree with your opinion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It used to be straightforward.

Independent

This ought to be straightforward.

The Economist

"I wanted everything to be straightforward.

The New York Times

His recapitulations tend to be straightforward.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It ought to be straightforward.

The Guardian - Sport

The answers are unlikely to be straightforward.

The Guardian

This was never going to be straightforward.

The Guardian - Sport

Licensing software used to be straightforward.

The Guardian - Tech

Nothing is going to be straightforward.

The Guardian - Sport

Any deal for Hazard is unlikely to be straightforward, however.

The Guardian - Sport

"The best thing to do is to be straightforward".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional settings, aim "to be straightforward" in your communications to prevent misunderstandings and build trust, especially when addressing complex issues.

Common error

Avoid using "to be straightforward" as an excuse for being unnecessarily harsh or insensitive. Directness should be balanced with empathy and consideration for the recipient's feelings to maintain effective communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be straightforward" functions primarily as an infinitive phrase. Ludwig AI indicates it's used to express an intention or a need for clarity and directness in communication or action, as seen in examples like, "It's best to be straightforward when asking how much something costs."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be straightforward" is a grammatically correct and very common infinitive phrase used to express the intention of being clear, direct, and honest. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and wide applicability. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, it maintains a neutral register. When using this phrase, aim for clarity but avoid harshness, balancing directness with empathy. Related phrases include "to be direct", "to be candid", and "to be honest". In essence, "to be straightforward" is about communicating with clarity and integrity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be direct

Emphasizes a lack of indirectness; focusing on clarity and efficiency in communication.

to be candid

Highlights honesty and frankness, often implying a willingness to express unpopular opinions.

to be frank

Focuses on openness and sincerity in expression, sometimes to the point of bluntness.

to be honest

Emphasizes truthfulness and integrity in communication, avoiding deception.

to be plainspoken

Highlights simplicity and clarity in language, avoiding jargon or ambiguity.

to be upfront

Focuses on openness and honesty from the beginning, revealing all relevant information.

to be clear

Highlights the absence of ambiguity or confusion; emphasizing easy understanding.

to be forthright

Emphasizes directness and lack of evasion, often in a formal or assertive way.

to be blunt

Focuses on directness that may be perceived as impolite or tactless.

to be unequivocal

Emphasizes the absence of doubt or ambiguity, providing a clear and decisive statement.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be straightforward" to indicate an intention to communicate directly and honestly, such as "I'm going "to be straightforward" with you: I don't think this plan will work".

What's a more formal way to say "to be straightforward"?

In a more formal context, consider using phrases like "to be candid" or "to be forthright" to convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

Which is correct: "to be straightforward" or "being straightforward"?

Both "to be straightforward" and "being straightforward" can be correct, depending on the grammatical structure of the sentence. "To be straightforward" is often used as an infinitive, while "being straightforward" functions as a gerund or participle.

What can I say instead of "to be straightforward" when giving bad news?

When delivering difficult information, try softening the blow while still "to be direct". For example, "Let me "to be honest" about the challenges we're facing".