In 15 Seconds
- A signal that you are being honest and direct.
- Used to introduce a firm or potentially blunt opinion.
- Often used at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis.
Meaning
When you say 'frankly,' you are telling someone you are being honest and direct. It signals that you are about to say exactly what you think, even if it is a bit blunt or surprising.
Key Examples
3 of 6Giving feedback on a bad movie
Frankly, I thought the ending was a bit lazy.
Honestly, I thought the ending was a bit lazy.
In a professional meeting
Frankly, we don't have the budget for this project right now.
To be honest, we don't have the budget for this project right now.
Texting a friend about a party
Quite frankly, I'd rather stay home and watch Netflix.
To be perfectly honest, I'd rather stay home and watch Netflix.
Cultural Background
The term originates from the 'Franks,' a Germanic people. Their name became synonymous with being 'free' or 'sincere' because they were the ruling class. Today, it is most famous for its use in the 1939 film 'Gone with the Wind,' marking a shift toward more direct language in pop culture.
The 'Truth Warning'
Use `frankly` as a polite warning. It tells the listener, 'I'm about to be blunt, so don't take it personally!'
Don't Overdo It
If you start every sentence with `frankly`, you might sound aggressive or like you are hiding something the rest of the time.
In 15 Seconds
- A signal that you are being honest and direct.
- Used to introduce a firm or potentially blunt opinion.
- Often used at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis.
What It Means
Frankly is your verbal signal for total honesty. It comes from the old word for 'free.' When you use it, you are speaking freely. You aren't hiding your feelings behind polite lies. It is like taking off a mask. You are about to share your real opinion. It often introduces a truth that might be a little uncomfortable. Think of it as a 'truth warning' for your listener.
How To Use It
You usually put frankly at the start of a sentence. This sets the tone immediately. You can also put it after the word quite. Using quite frankly adds extra emphasis. It makes you sound more certain. In a sentence, it acts as an adverb. It modifies your entire statement. Use it to share a critique or a firm opinion. It helps you pivot from small talk to real talk. Don't overthink the grammar; just drop it at the start!
When To Use It
Use it when someone asks for your real opinion. It works great in a business meeting. Use it when you need to be decisive. It is perfect for giving feedback on a project. You can use it with friends when discussing a movie. It works well when you are slightly annoyed. If a waiter asks how the food is, and it's cold, use it. It shows you are serious but still professional. It is the 'let's get down to business' word of the English language.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it every five minutes. If you are always 'frank,' people might think you are rude. Don't use it for very small, happy things. Saying 'Frankly, I love this cake' sounds a bit dramatic. It usually precedes a negative or serious point. Avoid it if you are trying to be extremely delicate. If someone is already crying, frankly might be too harsh. It is a tool for clarity, not for hurting feelings. Use it like salt—a little goes a long way.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and US, value 'polite distance.' We often hide our true feelings to avoid conflict. Frankly is the tool we use to break that rule. It has a long history in literature and film. Think of the famous line from *Gone with the Wind*: 'Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn.' That moment changed cinema history. It showed that the character was finally done with being polite. It represents a moment of personal liberation.
Common Variations
To be frank: A slightly more formal way to start.Quite frankly: The 'powered-up' version for extra drama.Frankly speaking: A common variation used in conversation.In all honesty: A softer, friendlier cousin tofrankly.To be perfectly honest: Use this when the truth is really big.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral but leans toward serious or professional contexts. Be careful not to sound too 'bossy' when using it with friends.
The 'Truth Warning'
Use `frankly` as a polite warning. It tells the listener, 'I'm about to be blunt, so don't take it personally!'
Don't Overdo It
If you start every sentence with `frankly`, you might sound aggressive or like you are hiding something the rest of the time.
The Movie Connection
If you want to sound like a classic movie star, use 'Frankly, my dear...' It's a famous quote everyone knows!
Examples
6Frankly, I thought the ending was a bit lazy.
Honestly, I thought the ending was a bit lazy.
Used to express a negative opinion directly.
Frankly, we don't have the budget for this project right now.
To be honest, we don't have the budget for this project right now.
Delivers bad news clearly and professionally.
Quite frankly, I'd rather stay home and watch Netflix.
To be perfectly honest, I'd rather stay home and watch Netflix.
The 'quite' adds emphasis to the feeling.
Frankly, I think the salt shaker exploded in this soup.
Honestly, I think there is way too much salt in this soup.
Uses honesty to create a lighthearted joke.
Frankly, I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately.
To be honest, I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately.
Opens up a deeper, more vulnerable topic.
Frankly, I'm tired of making excuses for him.
Honestly, I'm tired of making excuses for him.
Shows the speaker has reached their limit.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to complete the sentence where the speaker wants to be honest about a boring book.
___, I couldn't even finish the first chapter.
Frankly is used to introduce an honest, often negative, opinion.
Which phrase adds the most emphasis to your honesty?
___ ___, I think this plan is going to fail.
'Quite frankly' is the standard way to add emphasis to this expression.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 'Frankly'
Used with friends to be blunt.
Frankly, that shirt is ugly.
The most common way to use it.
Frankly, I'm not sure.
Used in business to be direct.
Frankly, the results are poor.
When to reach for 'Frankly'
Giving a Critique
Frankly, it needs work.
Admitting the Truth
Frankly, I forgot.
Setting Boundaries
Frankly, I'm done.
Business Reality
Frankly, it's too expensive.
Practice Bank
2 exercises___, I couldn't even finish the first chapter.
Frankly is used to introduce an honest, often negative, opinion.
___ ___, I think this plan is going to fail.
'Quite frankly' is the standard way to add emphasis to this expression.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot necessarily, but it is very direct. It can feel rude if you use it to criticize someone's appearance or personal choices without being asked.
Yes, it is common in professional emails to address a problem. For example: Frankly, we are concerned about the timeline.
They are very similar, but frankly often feels a bit more formal and firm. Honestly is used more frequently in casual, everyday speech.
Usually, yes. We rarely say Frankly, you look beautiful. It is almost always used to introduce a difficult or surprising truth.
It comes from the Germanic tribe 'The Franks.' Their name meant 'free,' so to speak frankly is to speak like a free person.
It is grammatically correct, but native speakers almost always say quite frankly instead.
No, it is a standard English adverb. It is safe to use in any environment, from a bar to a boardroom.
It is rare. You might hear I'm speaking frankly, but usually, it sits at the very beginning of the thought.
No. To be fair is used to give a balanced view, while frankly is used to give a direct, one-sided opinion.
It is used equally in both dialects. It is a universal English term.
Related Phrases
To be honest
A very common way to share a personal truth or opinion.
In all candor
A very formal way to say you are being honest.
Level with me
An idiom asking someone else to speak frankly to you.
Straight talk
Direct and honest communication without any fluff.
