Dishonest to or Dishonest With – Which Is Correct?-Grammar Puzzle Solved (10) - Grammar Puzzle Solved by Naeem Ullah Butt

English learners often wonder whether to say dishonest to or dishonest with. Although both may seem acceptable, only one fits well in standard English usage. This small choice can affect how natural your sentence sounds.

The proper phrase is dishonest with. This expression is commonly used when discussing truthfulness in relationships. For example:

“She was not truthful with her friend.”
“He admitted he hadn’t been open with his coworkers.”

In both examples, “with” shows a two-way connection where honesty or dishonesty exists between people. That’s why dishonest to or dishonest with matters — one is natural, and the other feels awkward.

So, what about “to”? While we say things like “lie to someone” or “speak to someone,” adjectives such as “honest” and “dishonest” take a different route. They typically pair with “with.” Using “to” in this case may confuse your listener or reader.

Let’s compare:

✅ “He wasn’t being honest with his manager.”
❌ “He wasn’t being honest to his manager.”

The second sentence sounds off because “to” doesn’t pair correctly with adjectives related to trust. Instead, we use “with” to reflect mutual involvement.

Sometimes, people misuse these forms because of influence from verbs that take “to.” However, once you notice the pattern in adjectives, it becomes easier to choose the correct form.

If you’re unsure whether to use to or with, remember that “with” is the right preposition. It not only sounds better but also aligns with common grammatical rules in English.

In conclusion, being aware of small choices like this helps your English sound more fluent and confident. Use “with” when referring to honesty or its opposite — and you’ll rarely go wrong.