TBH stands for to be honest. People use it to introduce a personal opinion, especially one that might not match what someone else thinks.
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tbh, + opinion; ..., tbh
- tbh, the new office layout is much worse than the old one.
- The test was easier than I expected, tbh.
- tbh, I'd rather stay home than go to that party.
What changed
First versionIn my opinion, tbh, social media does more harm than good for teenagers.
RevisionIn my opinion, social media does more harm than good for teenagers.
An academic essay doesn't use chat abbreviations. On top of that, tbh here duplicates in my opinion — both phrases signal that an opinion follows. The redundant tbh is simply removed.
TBH introduces an opinion or evaluation, while ngl more often admits something a little embarrassing about yourself: tbh, the film was boring, but ngl, I fell asleep halfway through. Both belong only in texting and social media. In IELTS Speaking, use to be honest or honestly instead, and in an essay introduce an opinion with in my opinion or I believe.
Your turn
I know you love the sweater your aunt knitted, but ___, the colour really doesn't suit you.
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tbh — The speaker is giving an honest, possibly unwelcome opinion about the colour of the sweater — that's exactly what tbh signals. Lol would express amusement rather than an opinion, and doesn't fit a serious comment about a gift.
Write to a friend giving your honest opinion of a film or book you recently watched or read. Start with tbh and explain exactly what you liked or didn't.
tbh, the book was way better than the film, the ending made so much more sense.
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