upfront

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "upfront" is correct and usable in written English.
You may use it to describe a situation in which people are honest and direct about their thoughts, feelings, or intentions. For example, "When he said what he really thought, it was refreshingly upfront."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's the second biggest cost to students, after their tuition fees, and the biggest upfront cost, so getting it right is important.

The Guardian

Despite these problems, three quarters of students go into debt to cover the upfront costs of securing a student home, from deposits to letting agency fees.

The Guardian

That same day, Merhi claimed that he received a call from someone offering to lobby on his behalf, in exchange for an upfront payment of $5,000.

The Guardian

The Libyan fund estimates Goldman made $350m in upfront profit on the trades.

The Guardian - Business

But both Paddick and Zinzan were, I believe, sincere in their own desire for the open admittance and upfront discussion of error.

The Guardian - Opinion

They pay up to two years' rent upfront in dollars, at London prices, and find jobs with the growing number of international companies and professional service providers in Ghana or, more commonly, start their own business.

The Guardian

In one sense, then, when Nicola Sturgeon told the BBC on Wednesday that she would order her Westminster colleagues to vote against "privatisation" of English health services, she was doing no more than being upfront about how her party will continue to indulge in occasional cross-border skirmishes.

The Guardian - Opinion

It has an established hit in Zooey Deschanel comedy The New Girl and much of the upfront presentation was dedicated to reminding everyone of that.

The Guardian

In truth, Postecoglou has been flexible enough and pragmatic enough to realise he has few alternatives to Cahill upfront.

The Guardian - Sport

The next witnesses must be upfront with coroner Ian Gray about where those gaps were most acute.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you thought that CBS was conservative when it only added five new shows to its new season, look at what it's teen-obsessed sister network the CW did at its upfront presentation on Thursday, where it presented its new show (note the use of the singular) to advertisers.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "upfront" to describe communication, ensure the context clarifies whether you're emphasizing honesty, directness, or both. For example, "The CEO was upfront about the company's challenges" highlights honesty, while "He gave an upfront explanation" emphasizes directness.

Common error

Avoid using "upfront" solely to mean 'honest' when the situation also requires 'tactful'. Being "upfront" can sometimes be perceived as insensitive if not balanced with consideration for the audience's feelings.

Linguistic Context

The word "upfront" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate honesty, directness, or something paid or done in advance. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable term in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "upfront" is a versatile term commonly used as an adjective to describe honesty, directness, or advance payment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. As an adjective, it conveys transparency and a lack of hidden intentions, fitting comfortably in both neutral and professional registers. Usage patterns show a high frequency in news and business contexts, sourced from authoritative publications like The Guardian and The Economist. To avoid misinterpretations, writers should ensure the context clarifies whether they intend to emphasize honesty, directness, or advance action when using the term "upfront".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

honest

Focuses on the quality of truthfulness and integrity in communication.

frank

Emphasizes a candid and unreserved manner of speaking.

candid

Highlights openness and sincerity in expression.

straightforward

Indicates a direct and uncomplicated approach.

direct

Stresses the absence of intermediaries or indirectness.

open

Suggests a willingness to share information or feelings.

forthright

Implies a bold and direct manner of speaking.

in advance

Specifically relates to payments or actions done ahead of time.

beforehand

Highlights the timing of an action prior to another event.

plainly

Focuses on clarity and ease of understanding in communication.

FAQs

How can I use "upfront" in a sentence?

You can use "upfront" to describe honesty, as in, "She was "honest" and upfront about her mistakes". Or you can use it to describe something paid in advance, as in, "They require "payment in advance" for the service".

What are some alternatives to saying "upfront"?

Depending on the context, you could use "honest", "frank", "straightforward", or "in advance".

Is it better to be "upfront" or diplomatic?

It depends on the situation. Being "upfront" is valued for its clarity and honesty, but diplomacy involves tact and consideration. Choose the approach that best suits the context and your goals.

What does it mean when someone is "upfront" about costs?

It means they are providing clear and "transparent" information about all expenses involved, with no hidden fees or charges.