'It's just that...'

In a discussion or argument you reluctantly yield to your opponent. You allow as how he may be right, but you want to get in the last word, asserting that your point has merit too.
It's sort of like you're offering one final argument, but at the same time conceding.

It's just that she never really told me she had agreed to go to the dance with you.

Thanks for replying Avangi.

Could it also be used as a way of explaining one's actions? This is how I somtimes interpret people's purpose of using this as a leading phrase. I don't know if this is true or not. I've observed this sort of senario doesn't usually involve a serious argument. For instance, the dialogue might go like this.

A: Could you check again if my name is there

Sorry, I didn't mean to imply that it must be a serious argument. It could be a simple discussion, nevertheless one that needs to be resolved.

Your example A: is fine. You've already been told "no," but you wish to continue the discussion.

True, this differs from my example in that you're not yet ready to concede. You wish to make one more point for your side in hopes of yet

Thanks for the follow-up Avangi.

Is it also possible that there might not be an a discussion at all? For instance, you walk up to a tutor and ask them to do you a small favour. You say the request followed by 'It's just that...'.

B: Could I borrow the book that you mentioned for a short while? It's just that...

Is it natural that people do this? What does it sound lik

Yes, you're right again.

I think you're anticipating some justifyable reluctance on the other person's part, though it may never be stated, and the person may agree to your request. You don't want to leave with the person thinking ill of you.

Thanks for replying Avangi.

In the context above, how would the person making the request be perceived when 'It's just that...' is being said? Does it make them sound polite in that they know they are asking for a favour? Or does it make them sound like they don't think the other person is the type of person who is normally willing to do people a favour?

Thanks again for your

PeaceblinkfriendIn the context above, how would the person making the request be perceived ?

My honest opinion? As a wimp and an a-hole. At least from the US point of view, "Americans" like people who are strong and straightforward. I think the expression should be avoided altogether. It makes you sound like a whiner.

Re your two choices, I don't

Hi,

I think that it's a very cultural matter. Some cultures see 'strong and straightforward' as 'aggressive and lacking in subtlety'.

Clive

Thanks for you replies, Avangi and Clive.

I agree there is a cultural influence here. I guess it's a fair bet that the way people would react to this is going to be somewhat similar among English-speaking countries like the US, the UK and Australia.

Just wondering. If I am asking a new tutor to do me a small favour like printing something out for me, will me saying 'It's just

Hi,

I agree there is a cultural influence here. I guess it's a fair bet that the way people would react to this is going to be somewhat similar among English-speaking countries like the US, the UK and Australia.

No. The point of my comment was that, in my opinion, in Canada or the UK the phrase would not be seen negatively, as Avangi suggested it would in the US.