To Be Honest, You Shouldn’t Use This Phrase
These are nine alternatives for “to be honest”:
- Perhaps I’ve been unclear. Let me put it this way:
- Maybe the issue is this:
- Maybe this is a better way of looking at it:
- Frankly,
- As a matter of fact,
- Actually,
- To be fair,
- I hate to have to say this,
- Let me share this with you:
“To Be Honest” Meaning
To be honest is such a common phrase, most people would have no issue with its use. It’s quite versatile and has different connotations.
To be honest can:
1. Be used for clarification
Think of to be honest as equating to “to be clear” or “to be transparent.” In other words, it’s used when you’re about to clarify something.
2. Emphasize a candid remark
To be honest emphasizes or simply indicates that the statement that follows will be direct—no filler words or candy-coating, just straight to the point.
3. Indicate contradictions
Statements that are contrary to consensus or go against what the other party is saying are often preceded by the phrase to be honest.
4. Express something negative
To be honest is also often used before a negative statement.
5. Signals that what you’re about to state is personal
Lastly, if what you’re about to state is personal, you can precede it with to be honest.
Keep in mind that the phrase works the same whether it’s at the beginning or end of a sentence.
- Tbh, I didn’t enjoy the concert.
- tbh, I didn’t enjoy the concert.
- TBH, I didn’t enjoy the concert.
The Issue With “To Be Honest”
Ordinarily, when you use to be honest, the recipient will know that it suggests any of the uses listed above.
However, efficient communication requires direct word choice. That being said, you should try avoiding this phrase. Why? Because you risk implicitly suggesting that what you have said or written up until the phrase to be honest was a lie.
At the very least, avoiding this phrase lowers your chances of encountering someone that says, “Wait, you weren’t being honest this whole time?”
To be honest, there are better synonyms for this phrase either way.
“To Be Honest” Synonyms
For clarity:
1. Perhaps I’ve been unclear. Let me put it this way:
2. Maybe the issue is this:
3. Maybe this is a better way of looking at it:
To emphasize a candid statement:
4. Frankly,
To express a contradiction:
5. As a matter of fact,
6. Actually,
7. To be fair,
To state something negative:
8. I hate to have to say this,
To share something personal:
9. Let me share this with you:
To Be Honest, Direct Vocabulary Is Important
Writing well requires varied and direct vocabulary. Avoid using ambiguous phrases like to be honest and instead use any of the synonyms listed above.
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