- Similar to To be honest..., it signals a direct, open, and perhaps blunt statement of opinion or fact.
- Often implies that the speaker is setting aside politeness or diplomacy for the sake of clarity or emphasis.
Explanation
Origin
- Comes from the word frank, meaning open, honest, and direct in speech or writing.
- Used as an adverb to introduce a statement delivered with candor. Dates back centuries.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Not gonna lie / NGL
- Keeping it real / Keeping it 100
- Real talk
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- To be brutally honest...
- No bullshit... / No BS
- Let's cut the crap...
Milder/More Common:
- To be honest... / Honestly...
More Formal:
- Candidly...
- In all candor...
Situational Appropriateness
- Can be used in both informal and formal contexts, but its directness can be perceived as blunt or even rude depending on the situation, tone, and content.
- More common in situations where directness is valued or necessary (e.g., business discussions, serious feedback).
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Can sometimes sound unnecessarily harsh or confrontational if not delivered with care.
- Its slightly formal feel might seem out of place in very casual peer-to-peer conversation among younger people.
Examples
- Frankly, I think that's a terrible idea.
- She told him frankly what she thought of his behavior.
- Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn. (Famous line from Gone with the Wind)
Dialogue
Manager: What's your assessment of the project's progress?
Employee: Frankly, we're behind schedule. Several key tasks haven't been completed.
Manager: Okay. Frankly, that's concerning. What's the plan to get back on track?
Social Media Examples
- Forum Post: Frankly, the user interface on this new software is confusing and unintuitive.
- Tweet: Frankly, I'm tired of the political bickering. Can we focus on solutions? #politics
- Blog Comment: Your analysis is interesting, but frankly, I think you've overlooked some key data points.
Response Patterns
- Similar to To be honest...: Acknowledgement (Okay.), surprise/disagreement (Really? Why?), defense (Well, I disagree.), curiosity (Go on...).
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After hearing Frankly... [opinion/statement]:
- The listener might ask for justification: What makes you say that?, Can you elaborate?
- They might express agreement or disagreement.
- They might become defensive if the comment was critical.
Conversation Starter
- No. Usually used mid-conversation to introduce a frank opinion.
Intonation
- Stress usually falls on the first syllable: FRANK-ly.
- Often followed by a brief pause.
- The tone can sometimes be slightly sharp or emphatic, reflecting the directness.
Generation Differences
- Used across generations, but perhaps perceived as slightly more formal or older-fashioned than Honestly or Not gonna lie by some younger speakers.
Regional Variations
- Standard and understood across all major English-speaking regions.