to be honest vs to be honestly

The correct phrase is 'to be honest.' It's a common expression used to introduce a sincere or candid statement. 'To be honestly' isn't a standard phrase in English.

Explained by Miss E.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: February 19, 2025 • 6214 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"to be honest"

'To be honest' is a common expression used to introduce a sincere or candid statement.

Examples:

To be honest, I didn't like the movie.
To be honest, I think we should reconsider our approach.

Show examples from the web [+]

'Cause to be honest, I don't like being followed.
But to be honest, I was worried too.
And to be honest, you seem a little desperate.
I'm not really sure, to be honest.
But to be honest with you, it frightened the neighbors.
All right, look, to be honest with you...
And to be honest, she looked a little rough.
I was hoping you could tell me, to be honest.
It really shocked me, to be honest.
But to be honest, none of that matters.
No creed, to be honest.
Look, Mark, I have to be honest.
Yes, I do have a problem, to be honest.
I swear to be honest... to protect my youngers.
From a reliable firm that we thought to be honest.
Although it did take some stones to be honest.
You just have to be honest with us.
Very restless, to be honest.
You're always telling us to be honest.
I got to be honest, he sounds like an interesting guy.

'To be honestly' is not a standard phrase in English.

"to be honestly"

Show examples from the web [+]

But I've learned that it's better to be honestly unhappy than dishonestly so.
We try to be honestly subjective.
Personally, I also expect human rights issues to be discussed honestly in this House.
If it were to be conducted honestly, on principles of solidarity and a genuine expansion of democracy, it could be accepted universally.
They'll be able to answer honestly they didn't know anything.
Acid is nothing to be scared of. Honestly, mate.
That is an issue which needs to be faced up to honestly.
This is essential if Community funds are to be distributed fairly and honestly.
So, shouldn't she be allowed to speak honestly and forthrightly?
These matters will not be resolved easily, but they need to be discussed openly and honestly.
She's going to be fine, honestly.
And yet, all he'd be able to honestly say is, "I'm sorry".
Secondly, the EU should propose and ensure, as rapidly as possible, that new presidential elections are held that will enable the president to be properly elected, honestly this time.
I know you probably felt the pressure to say dad was your favorite 'cause that's the way the whole family seemed to be leaning, but honestly,
Regulations must be honestly implemented to a common standard.
And I honestly think you have something special.
Honestly, everyone loves the book.
Honestly, winning was so simple.
Honestly, she probably already forgot.
I honestly could feel forgiveness wash over me.

Alternatives:

to be honest
frankly speaking
truth be told
if I'm being truthful
in all honesty

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