Say/would say

Question

I would like to know the difference between "1" and "2".1. I say my favorite sport is football.2. I would say my favorite sport is football.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

WowenglishI would like to know the difference between "1" and "2".
1. I say my favorite sport is football.
2. I would say my favorite sport is football.

1. This is an emphatic and forceful form of "My favorite sport is football". It's rare to add "I say" at the beginning of a statement unless it is a response to a challenge.

-- Does Jane really think we believe that story about the broken alarm clock?

-- Why not? I think Jane's excuse for being late is reasonable.
-- I say it's a lie.

2. This is a weak form of "My favorite sport is football". It's a way of saying, "I can't easily decide what my favorite sport is. There are so many sports that I like. But, I suppose, just to have an answer, I believe I'll say football."

CJ

Say/would say

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions