To be frank with you?

[keannu]

Does "To be frank with you" mostly mean a negative nuance like in the below? Don't they use this for positive ones?

ex)To be frank with you, that sweater doesn't look good on you.

[mayita1usa]

I think you're right - this expression is often used to introduce information that the listener probably won't like, or isn't expecting to hear.

However, it's not exclusively negative - it's just that when someone is being perfectly frank (honest), it can surprise people!

Ex: I liked your paper very much, Kim. To be frank, this is the best student essay I have ever read.

[keannu]

I think you're right - this expression is often used to introduce information that the listener probably won't like, or isn't expecting to hear.

However, it's not exclusively negative - it's just that when someone is being perfectly frank (honest), it can surprise people!

Ex: I liked your paper very much, Kim. To be frank, this is the best student essay I have ever read.

Thank you so much for your help for every post of mine, I really appreciate it, and you explanation is crytal-clear.