utter candor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utter candor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express complete honesty or openness in communication. Example: "In our discussion, I appreciated her utter candor about the challenges we face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The expressive stance was one of utter candor.

The New York Times - Arts

Shareholder meetings are not usually the occasion for utter candor -- or for that matter, arch sarcasm -- by chief executives.

The New York Times

For me, prayer is just utter candor, the effort to start clean in your day and not lie to yourself, ever.

The New York Times

Yet this book was still a page-turner of a memoir -- written, compiled and told with utter candor and generosity by a mother who lost her 23-year-old daughter.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

George H.W. Bush, in a rare moment of candor uttered before he signed onto the No. 2 spot on the 1980 Republican presidential ticket, called it voodoo economics.

Los Angeles Times

In a rare moment of candor for him, television cameras appeared to catch Flacco utter an exuberant expletive, but otherwise he was mostly at ease.

The New York Times - Sports

As a result of his candor, Barber's peers are known to have rebuked him for uttering the taboo explanation.

The New York Times - Sports

"Captain America: utter, utter, utter tosh".

Independent

Utter garbage!

The New Yorker

Utter madness.

The New York Times

Utter frustration.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utter candor" when you want to emphasize a complete and uncompromising level of honesty. It's particularly effective when describing someone's attitude or approach to a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "utter candor" in overly casual or informal settings. While not grammatically incorrect, it can sound overly formal or dramatic in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "complete honesty" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utter candor" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "utter" intensifies the noun "candor". It modifies or describes the quality of being honest and straightforward, emphasizing the completeness and lack of reservation in that honesty, similar to the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Utter candor" is a phrase used to describe a state of complete and uncompromising honesty. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase, while grammatically correct, is relatively rare, appearing mainly in news and media contexts. It functions as a noun phrase, with "utter" intensifying the meaning of "candor". When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context to ensure it aligns with the desired tone, and avoid overuse in casual conversation. Alternative phrases such as "complete honesty" or "total frankness" can be used for similar effect. The phrase is most effective when emphasizing the depth and sincerity of someone's openness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete honesty

Replaces "utter candor" with a more straightforward and common expression for total honesty.

total frankness

Substitutes "candor" with "frankness", indicating a similar level of directness and openness.

absolute sincerity

Replaces the phrase with an emphasis on the genuineness of the communication.

unreserved truthfulness

Highlights the lack of hesitation or reservation in telling the truth.

unqualified openness

Focuses on the lack of restrictions or conditions in the level of disclosure.

full transparency

Emphasizes the clarity and accessibility of information, suggesting nothing is hidden.

forthright honesty

Combines directness (forthright) with honesty for a similar impact.

undisguised candor

Highlights the absence of any attempt to conceal or mask the candor.

pure sincerity

Emphasizes the genuine and unadulterated nature of the speaker's honesty.

unvarnished truth

Emphasizes that the truth is presented plainly, without any embellishment or sugarcoating.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "utter candor" in a sentence?

Use "utter candor" to describe a situation or a person's communication style when they are being completely honest and open. For example, "The witness testified with "utter candor", revealing every detail of the event."

What are some alternatives to "utter candor"?

You can use alternatives like "complete honesty", "total frankness", or "absolute sincerity" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "utter candor" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "utter candor" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you want to emphasize the depth and completeness of someone's honesty. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing to ensure it fits appropriately.

What is the difference between "candor" and "utter candor"?

"Candor" refers to honesty and directness in general, while "utter candor" emphasizes a complete and uncompromising level of honesty. The addition of "utter" intensifies the degree of honesty being expressed.