to put it kindly

USAGE SUMMARY

"to put it kindly" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to soften a potentially critical or negative statement. You can use it in the following situations: 1. To express something in a more polite or diplomatic way: "To put it kindly, your cooking skills could use some improvement." 2. To express a more positive interpretation of a situation: "To put it kindly, I wouldn't say we failed, but rather we learned a valuable lesson." 3. To express a more tactful criticism: "To put it kindly, your behavior was quite rude at the party last night." Example: To put it kindly, your presentation was lacking in structure and clarity, which made it difficult for the audience to understand your main points.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

That seems, to put it kindly, ambitious.

The Economist

To put it kindly, they left much to be desired.

The New York Times - Health

The décor, to put it kindly, is basic.

Independent

The results have been, to put it kindly, underwhelming.

The New Yorker

This is, to put it kindly, an exaggeration.

The Economist

Admittedly, this man had some problems, to put it kindly.

The New York Times

Andrew Jackson was, to put it kindly, no scholar.

The New York Times

The third floor is conventionally boxy, and, to put it kindly, intimate.

The New York Times - Arts

To put it kindly, neither Ron Bartell nor Shawntae Spencer is Champ Bailey.

The New York Times

City, to put it kindly, has always been the poor cousin to United in Manchester.

The New York Times - Sports

This season for Arsenal — to put it kindly — has been a mess.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to put it kindly" when you want to soften a criticism or express something negative in a more polite way. It adds a layer of tact and consideration to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "to put it kindly" excessively in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound passive-aggressive or insincere. Use it sparingly for maximum impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to put it kindly" functions as a discourse marker, specifically an adverbial phrase. It serves to soften or mitigate a statement that might otherwise be considered harsh or critical. It prepares the listener or reader for a more gentle interpretation of the information that follows. Ludwig confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to put it kindly" is a frequently used adverbial phrase employed to soften potentially critical or negative statements. As Ludwig AI states, it's a correct and usable element in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, this phrase serves to express tact and diplomacy. It's essential to wield it judiciously to avoid sounding passive-aggressive. Alternatives such as "to say the least" or "being diplomatic" offer nuanced substitutions depending on the context. Remember, the goal is to temper criticism with kindness, maintaining positive communication while delivering potentially unwelcome information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to phrase it gently

Changes the verb from "put" to "phrase" emphasizing the manner of expression.

to say the least

Implies understatement, often with a hint of irony.

being diplomatic

Focuses on the act of being tactful in one's speech.

in a more charitable light

Emphasizes a generous or forgiving interpretation.

if you want to be kind

Highlights the conscious choice to be gentle in judgment.

to be generous

Focuses on being generous in one's assessment or description.

in less harsh terms

Suggests rephrasing something to be less severe.

with all due respect

Acknowledges respect while disagreeing or criticizing.

not to mince words

States intention to be direct while often still softening the blow.

in a nutshell

Indicates a simplified or concise explanation, often of a negative situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "to put it kindly" to introduce a softened or more tactful version of a potentially harsh statement. For example, "To put it kindly, your performance was not up to par."

What are some alternatives to "to put it kindly"?

Alternatives include phrases like "to say the least", "being diplomatic", or "in a more charitable light", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "to put it kindly" always appropriate?

While generally useful for softening criticism, "to put it kindly" might not be suitable in situations requiring directness or when addressing serious misconduct. Context is key to deciding its appropriateness.

What's the effect of using "to put it kindly"?

Using "to put it kindly" signals that you are aware of the potential for offense and are attempting to be considerate. It can help maintain positive relationships while still conveying necessary information, even if negative.