Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
we frankly acknowledge
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "we frankly acknowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express honesty or openness about a particular issue or situation. Example: "In our report, we frankly acknowledge the challenges we faced during the project."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
We frankly acknowledge, as did Klimisch et al. (1996), that judgment is inherent in that process.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
"I would frankly acknowledge that this case is a logical extension of the basic principle that we have urged the court to adopt," Mr. Dreeben said.
News & Media
More likely, the pair will frankly acknowledge differences.
News & Media
The magazine's executives frankly acknowledge their economic motivations.
News & Media
But even political opponents frankly acknowledge the altered dynamics since Cohen entered the race.
News & Media
Kenyan health officials frankly acknowledge that evidence is lacking on the effectiveness of programs that promote condoms or abstinence.
News & Media
But as Ms. Allen and her peers frankly acknowledge, such scuffles are so common that marriage counseling could have its own line in the standard design contract.
News & Media
Some committed Europhiles frankly acknowledge that, at times, they have deliberately disguised quite profound changes as mere technical adjustments to avoid causing popular alarm.
News & Media
Yet other Detroiters frankly acknowledge the mistakes of the Big Three, or see union workers' complacency as part of the problem.
News & Media
Let me frankly acknowledge that wives are correct to blame husbands here.
News & Media
Or, maybe it's time to frankly acknowledge they have become the De facto fourth branch of our government, without any amendment to our Constitution.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "we frankly acknowledge" to introduce a point where transparency and honesty are crucial for establishing credibility with your audience. It's particularly effective when admitting limitations or challenges.
Common error
Avoid using "we frankly acknowledge" repeatedly within a single document. Overuse can make your writing sound formulaic and insincere. Vary your language to maintain a natural and engaging tone.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "we frankly acknowledge" functions as an introductory expression used to preface a statement of admission. As Ludwig suggests, it conveys honesty and openness. This phrase is typically used to set a tone of transparency before revealing information that might be perceived as negative or challenging.
Frequent in
News & Media
67%
Science
33%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "we frankly acknowledge" is a useful construction for introducing statements where transparency and honesty are paramount. While the phrase follows standard grammar rules, Ludwig suggests that it is best employed in contexts where building trust and conveying openness are critical. It is most frequently found in news and media sources, indicating a neutral to professional register. Remember to use the phrase thoughtfully, as overuse can diminish its impact. Alternatives like "we openly admit" and "we candidly recognize" can provide variety while maintaining a similar level of directness.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
we openly admit
Replaces "frankly acknowledge" with a more direct synonym for 'frankly' and 'acknowledge'.
we candidly recognize
Substitutes "frankly" with "candidly" and "acknowledge" with "recognize", emphasizing honesty and awareness.
we readily concede
Uses "readily" to imply willingness and "concede" to suggest admitting something despite potential reluctance.
we freely confess
Employs "freely" to indicate lack of constraint and "confess" to imply admitting something potentially negative.
we honestly avow
Replaces "frankly" with "honestly" for emphasis and "acknowledge" with "avow" which means to declare openly.
it is our honest assessment
Shifts the focus to the assessment being honest, rather than the act of acknowledging.
we are forthright in stating
Replaces the acknowledgement with a forthright statement of fact, putting more weight on the information shared.
we make no secret of
Indicates that something is openly known and not hidden.
we are clear in our admission
Highlights the clarity of the admission being made.
let us be clear
A more emphatic way of introducing a statement, implying the speaker wants to remove any ambiguity.
FAQs
How can I use "we frankly acknowledge" in a sentence?
Use "we frankly acknowledge" to introduce a statement where you're openly admitting something, often a limitation, challenge, or mistake. For example: "We frankly acknowledge that the project timeline was overly optimistic."
What can I say instead of "we frankly acknowledge"?
You can use alternatives like "we openly admit", "we candidly recognize", or "we readily concede" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.
Is it more formal to say "we frankly acknowledge" or "we openly admit"?
"We frankly acknowledge" tends to be slightly more formal than "we openly admit". The choice depends on the context; "we frankly acknowledge" is suitable for professional or academic writing, while "we openly admit" can work in less formal settings.
What's the difference between "we acknowledge" and "we frankly acknowledge"?
Adding "frankly" to "we acknowledge" emphasizes the honesty and directness of the admission. "We acknowledge" is a general statement of recognition, while "we frankly acknowledge" highlights that you are being particularly open and transparent about something.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested