Meaning & use
in all honesty
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
used to emphasize that you are being completely truthful or sincere, especially when giving an honest opinion
Grammar: Acts as a sentence adverb or parenthetical comment; it does not change form and is not used as a subject or object.
Patterns
- in all honesty, ...
- ... , in all honesty
In all honesty, I preferred the old design.
I can't say, in all honesty, that I enjoyed the film.
In all honesty, we didn't expect so many people to come.
phrasefixed phrase
used when admitting something that may be embarrassing or unpleasant to say
Grammar: Often introduces a confession or a blunt statement; can stand alone as a response.
Patterns
- in all honesty, ...
- to be honest, ...
In all honesty, I forgot your birthday.
In all honesty, I don't think I'm qualified for the job.
Common combinations
- in all honesty, I think
- In all honesty, I think we should cancel the trip.
- say something in all honesty
- You can say anything to me in all honesty.
- in all honesty, I have to admit
- In all honesty, I have to admit I was wrong.
- quite frankly, in all honesty
- Quite frankly, in all honesty, the plan won't work.
Synonyms and how they differ
- to be honest
- More informal and common in everyday speech; 'in all honesty' sounds slightly more emphatic or formal.
- frankly
- Stronger and can sound blunt or critical; 'in all honesty' is softer and more personal.
- truthfully
- Focuses on factual accuracy; 'in all honesty' often signals a personal opinion rather than a fact.
Commonly confused: in all honesty or in honesty?
in all honesty vs in honesty
Not a standard phrase in modern English; use 'in all honesty' or 'honestly' instead.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'in all honesty' correctly?
Choose one answer.
B is correct because 'in all honesty' is a fixed phrase used to comment on the truthfulness of a statement, often at the start of a sentence. An is wrong because 'in all honesty' is not used after a verb like 'spoke' to mean 'honestly'. C and D are wrong because the phrase cannot function as a simple prepositional phrase of place or identity.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “in all honesty”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.