to put it frankly

USAGE SUMMARY

'to put it frankly' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to emphasize a point or make a statement that is direct and honest. For example, "To put it frankly, the government needs to take more responsibility for the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"To put it frankly, the DH framework doesn't have teeth.

The Guardian

The whole prospect is, to put it frankly, terrifying.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the hot conditions out there and against the Windies batting line-up, I was, to put it frankly, murderable.

The Guardian - Sport

To put it frankly, China represents one of the largest untapped opportunities for Uber, potentially larger than the US," he wrote.

The Guardian - Tech

— I am, to put it frankly, a Chinese; that is to say, a person who deems everything small and modest to be beautiful and pleasing, and to whom all that is big and exacting is fearsome and horrid.

The New Yorker

Why, to put it frankly, is teen hacking in peril?

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Or was he just being, as a Sinn Féin spokesman put it, "frankly ridiculous"?

The New Yorker

(Or, to put it more bluntly, "Frankly, it's kind of bullshit").

TechCrunch

His faith in biotech remains and he feels that a start-up firm offers a unique and dynamic environment where, as he puts it frankly, "you learn about the real world".

Science Magazine

Psychics have long been held in dubious regard (which, as Sharma puts it frankly, is because "90percentt of them are fake") and when there's money on the line, it's important not to over-promise.

Vice

So, why then, is Quixey pushing out its own ideas instead of allowing the developer community to more jointly and collaboratively agree upon the process, then put it to use? Frankly, says Kagan, because no one has done that yet.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context before using "to put it frankly"; ensure that a direct approach is appropriate and will not be misconstrued as rude or insensitive.

Common error

Avoid overusing "to put it frankly" in your writing, as it can become repetitive and lose its impact. Use it sparingly to highlight key points where directness is essential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to put it frankly" functions as a pragmatic marker. It serves as an introductory element signalling that the speaker is about to express something directly or honestly. This often prefaces a statement that might be considered blunt or controversial. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to put it frankly" is a useful introductory phrase for signaling directness and honesty, particularly when addressing potentially sensitive topics. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While common in news and media, it's essential to consider your audience and context to ensure it aligns with the appropriate tone. To prevent redundancy, use it strategically to emphasize critical points rather than peppering your writing with it. By using alternatives like "frankly speaking", "to be honest", or "candidly", you can maintain variety while still conveying sincerity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Frankly speaking

This alternative is a more concise and direct way to convey honesty.

To be honest

This alternative is a general way to introduce a sincere statement.

In all honesty

This alternative places greater emphasis on the speaker's sincerity.

To tell you the truth

This alternative emphasizes the speaker's act of revealing something.

Candidly

This alternative is a single word that conveys openness and honesty.

To be blunt

This alternative suggests a more direct and possibly harsh statement.

Truthfully

This alternative emphasizes the accuracy and veracity of the statement.

In plain language

This alternative highlights the clarity and simplicity of the statement.

In no uncertain terms

This alternative stresses the directness and lack of ambiguity of the statement.

To put it in simple terms

This alternative focuses on simplifying a complex issue for clarity.

FAQs

How can I use "to put it frankly" in a sentence?

You can use "to put it frankly" to introduce a statement that is direct and honest, often when addressing a sensitive or potentially controversial topic. For example, "To put it frankly, the project is over budget and behind schedule."

What phrases are similar to "to put it frankly"?

Similar phrases include "frankly speaking", "to be honest", or "candidly". Each option shares the characteristic of introducing a direct or sincere statement.

When is it appropriate to use "to put it frankly"?

It's appropriate when you need to be direct and honest, even if the statement might be uncomfortable or unexpected. Use it when clarity and candor are more important than avoiding potential offense.

Is "to put it frankly" too informal for business writing?

While generally acceptable, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. In some formal business contexts, a more subtle approach might be preferred. However, in situations where directness is valued, "to put it frankly" can be effective.