to put it gently

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to put it gently" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used when you are trying to soften a harsh statement. For example, you could say "I failed the test, to put it gently".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

It was, to put it gently, unpopular.

The New York Times

Americans are, to put it gently, a self-absorbed people.

The New Yorker

To put it gently, that is a matter of interpretation.

The New Yorker

But ensemble playing was scrappy throughout, to put it gently.

The New York Times - Arts

And Warren's foreign-policy credentials are, to put it gently, modest.

The New Yorker

Ms. Jackson is, to put it gently, an actress of limited expression.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Ingels has ambitions to set precedents and, as he put it, "gently alter the course of history".

The New Yorker

How can we put it, gently, calmly, a sporting smile playing on our lips?

The Guardian

I had packed our relationship in bubble wrap and put it gently in the pile.

Huffington Post

Once you're holding the mantis, put it gently into the container and close it.

WikiHow

The idea that the Saudis' "widespread and systematic" attacks on civilian targets are just a series of well-meaning errors is one that, to put it as gently as possible, lacks credibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to put it gently" when you want to soften potentially harsh or critical feedback, creating a more diplomatic tone.

Common error

Avoid using "to put it gently" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. While it's acceptable, more direct and precise language may be more appropriate for conveying specific points.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to put it gently" functions as a discourse marker used to mitigate the force of a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct, and its primary purpose is to soften potentially harsh or critical feedback, adding a layer of politeness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to put it gently" is a versatile phrase used to soften potentially critical statements. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically sound and functions as a discourse marker. Its prevalence in News & Media indicates its usefulness in expressing reservations or mild criticisms diplomatically. While its neutral register allows for broad applicability, overuse in formal academic writing should be avoided. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "to phrase it delicately" or "to state it mildly".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to phrase it delicately

Emphasizes the careful wording chosen to avoid causing offense.

putting it lightly

A more casual variant of the original phrase, suitable for informal contexts.

to state it mildly

Focuses on the understatement of the true severity or impact.

to express it cautiously

Highlights the hesitant and careful nature of the expression.

to say the least

Indicates that the statement is an understatement, implying more could be said.

if I'm being kind

Suggests a more critical view is possible, but the speaker is choosing to be charitable.

to be charitable

Directly states the intention to be lenient or forgiving in the assessment.

let's just say

Introduces a statement that avoids directness or explicitness.

it's fair to say

Introduces an assessment that seeks to find a balance between different perspectives.

in a manner of speaking

Indicates that the statement is not entirely accurate but serves to convey a general idea.

FAQs

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

Use "to put it gently" before or after a statement to soften its impact, such as, "The project was, "to put it gently", a disaster."

What can I say instead of "to put it gently"?

You can use alternatives like "to phrase it delicately", "to state it mildly", or "if I'm being kind" depending on the context.

Is "to put it gently" formal or informal?

"To put it gently" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both professional and casual communication, though it may be less appropriate in highly formal academic writing.

What's the difference between "to put it gently" and "to put it mildly"?

Both phrases soften a statement, but "to put it gently" emphasizes politeness, while "to put it mildly" emphasizes understatement.