total honesty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "total honesty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when emphasizing the importance of being completely truthful in a conversation or situation. Example: "In our relationship, I believe that total honesty is essential for building trust and understanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Running is my area of total honesty".

The New York Times

Although Ro is the one who insists on total honesty, she is withholding a major secret.

The New York Times

Gary Koecheler, a bond broker at Euro Brokers Inc., was a man of huge heart, faithfulness and total honesty.

The New York Times

What is it that she loves about Seymour? "There was a total honesty [to her dance], no judgement of character.

The Guardian

What keeps Mr. de Haas from seeming mawkish and overly histrionic is his ingenuous trust in total honesty.

The New York Times - Arts

But he tries to understand how "something didn't work here". He also turns to his wife for support, he said, and for her total honesty.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Honesty is nice in principle, but not everyone appreciates total, brutal honesty.

Huffington Post

That is not to say that total online honesty offers some kind of solution.

Independent

Bridgewater had not paid students for written statements, he said, but instead had run a focus group to determine what students thought of the firm and its unique workplace culture, which emphasizes total, brutal honesty and a destruction of personal ego.

The New York Times

The whole of American government, he says, is corrupt and contemptible; the capital suffers a "total lack of honesty and integrity".

The Economist

But listening to this new single by BBC Sound Of 2014 winner Sam Smith – its light, vaguely drum'n'bass backing, its falsetto platitudes, its vague sense of coolness but total vacuum of honesty or culture or meaning – I'd like to nominate the 17th of February as an alternative time of death.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for authenticity in writing, use "total honesty" to underscore a commitment to absolute truthfulness and transparency.

Common error

Be mindful that "total honesty" doesn't necessitate sharing every single thought or feeling, particularly if it could be unnecessarily hurtful or damaging. It focuses on presenting facts and intentions truthfully.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "total honesty" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It is typically used to describe a state or quality of being completely truthful. As Ludwig AI explains, this usage is both correct and common in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "total honesty" is a frequently used and grammatically correct noun phrase, as Ludwig AI confirms. It conveys the concept of complete truthfulness and is employed across various registers, primarily in News & Media. When using this phrase, consider the context and the impact of absolute truthfulness, as it may not always be the most appropriate approach. Alternatives like "complete truthfulness" or "absolute candor" can offer nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete truthfulness

Focuses on the state of being completely truthful, rather than just honest.

absolute candor

Highlights a straightforward and open approach.

unreserved sincerity

Emphasizes genuineness and lack of reservation in expressing oneself.

full disclosure

Refers to revealing all relevant information.

utter frankness

Stresses direct and unapologetic honesty.

perfect integrity

Highlights moral soundness and incorruptibility in one's actions.

unwavering truth

Emphasizes steadfast adherence to the truth.

transparent communication

Focuses on openness and clarity in conveying information.

forthrightness

Emphasizes directness and lack of evasion in speech.

unvarnished truth

Highlights truth presented without embellishment or softening.

FAQs

How can I use "total honesty" in a sentence?

You can use "total honesty" to emphasize the importance of being completely truthful, such as, "In our business dealings, we prioritize "full transparency" and expect "complete honesty" from our partners".

What's the difference between "total honesty" and "brutal honesty"?

"Total honesty" implies complete truthfulness without necessarily being harsh. "Brutal honesty", on the other hand, suggests truthfulness delivered bluntly, potentially causing emotional discomfort. While both prioritize truth, brutal honesty can lack tact.

What can I say instead of "total honesty"?

You can use alternatives like "complete truthfulness", "absolute candor", or "unreserved sincerity" depending on the specific context.

Is "total honesty" always the best policy?

While truthfulness is generally valued, "total honesty" may not always be appropriate. Consider the potential impact of your words on others. Sometimes, kindness and tact are necessary, even if it means slightly softening the truth.