I tell you & I tell you what

Question

It seems to me that the phrase 'I tell you. ...', if it exists in the English language, means emphasized 'In my opinion, ...'. Is it so? Does it exist?

Further, it seems to me - 'seems' because I am not a native speaker - that the phrase 'I tell you what. ...' means something like Now, you look me carefully (implying threat) or just Look, I've got something to tell you (without threat). Is it so?

Due to the fact English is not my native language, I have found it difficult for myself to provide examples. Sorry. Perhaps you'll do, please?

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

It seems to me that the phrase 'I tell you. ...', if it exists in the English language, means emphasized 'In my opinion, ...'. Is it so? Does it exist?-- Yes and yes.

Further, it seems to me - 'seems' because I am not a native speaker - that the phrase 'I tell you what. ...' means something like Now, you look me carefully (implying threat)-- No.

or just Look, I've got something to tell you (without threat). Is it so?-- Yes.

CalifJim · Answer

Examples.

I('ll) tell you. (Believe me, it's true!)

We took a look at the kitchen, and it was filthy, I'll tell you.
I'm stuck on this homework, I tell you. Stuck!
It's a conspiracy, I tell you. A conspiracy!
Madness! I tell you, it's madness!
It's lies, lies, and more lies, I'll tell you!
Exercise is torture, I tell you. Pure torture!

I'm telling you. (Contrary to what you may think, it's true.)

We decided in the end that we would go to the Christmas party, and I'm telling you, we had a good time!
You wouldn't believe the things he said. I'm telling you, he's a racist.
This book is amazing. I'm telling you, you've got to read some of the stuff in here to believe it!
I'm telling you, things are getting out of hand in this town. You don't even feel safe in your own home anymore.
You should have seen the costumes they wore. I'm telling you, those guys are just plain crazy!
Don't take that negative attitude. I'm telling you, you can do this.

I('ll) tell you what. (Let me suggest this.)

I tell you what. Let's start over and see where we went wrong on this project.
I tell you what. We'll do what you want this time and go for pizza, but next time we'll get fried chicken.
I tell you what. Come to the park tomorrow and you can see it for yourself.
I'll tell you what. If you like eggplant, I can bring you some from my garden tomorrow, OK?
I'll tell you what. You get the salad, and I'll get the dessert.
I'll tell you what. If it were me, I wouldn't put up with it.

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you, I got the point.

I tell you & I tell you what

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