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Peaceblinkfriend Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

"Sorry (but) I am not really good at explaining things."

"Sorry I am not really good at explaining things."

"Sorry but I am not really good at explaining things."

The scenario is that I 've explained something to my friend but I know it wasn't really a good explanation and that I wanted to be humble/modest.

Is this how people usually say it? And which one's the natural way to do so?

Thank you

PBF

P.S Should I have used humble or modest ?
  

Top answer

I'd say rather than humble or modest, you are beign HONEST. You are being modest when you know it was a good explanation but don't want to look like you're bragging. I'm sorry.

— BarbaraPA

  • I'd say rather than humble or modest, you are beign HONEST.
  • You are being modest when you know it was a good explanation but don't want to look like you're bragging.
  • I'm sorry.
  • That probably wasn't the best explanation.
  • "
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8 Answers
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I'd say rather than humble or modest, you are beign HONEST. You are being modest when you know it was a good explanation but don't want to look like you're bragging.

I'm sorry. That probably wasn't the best explanation.

If you habitually aren't good at giving explanations, then I'm sorry, but "I'm not very good at explaining things."
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In colloquial speech, both are fine, although I would say "I'm" instead of "I am", and "not very good" instead of "not really good", which rolls off the tongue better.

In writing, "Sorry, I'm not very good at explaining things". This one sounds better if I'm trying to be modest.
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Thanks for your replies Barbara and Cornish Pasty.

So in either case, we do not say 'sorry but' right?

Thank again for your help

PBF
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Yes PBF, you are right.
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A Cornish PastyIn colloquial speech, both are fine, although I would say "I'm" instead of "I am", and "not very good" instead of "not really good", which rolls off the tongue better.

In writing, "Sorry, I'm not very good at explaining things". This one sounds better if I'm trying to be modest.

What's the difference between 'sorry' and 'sorry
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Yes, you can say "I"m sorry, but..."
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I wonder if it makes it more apologetic if 'but' is said.

Thank you

PBF
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I think so. It's like an implied "I would like to help you, but I can't"

Think of the difference:

A: Can you pick me up at the airport at 2 tomorrow?

B: No.
B: No. I'm sorry.
B: No. I'm busy then.
B: No. I'm sorry, but I'm busy then.
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