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Mitsuo23 Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

"Who is to say"?

Hi

I have a question about the expression "who is to say." Is it interchangeable with "who could say"?

LIke, "who is to say what's beautiful" and "who could say for sure what's beautiful." Are these close enough?

Thanks,
M
  

Top answer

" Is it interchangeable with "who could say"? I wouldn't exactly use them interchangeably, although some people might in certain situations. " questions our authority.

— Avangi

  • " Is it interchangeable with "who could say"?
  • I wouldn't exactly use them interchangeably, although some people might in certain situations.
  • " questions our authority.
  • " questions our ability to answer.
  • " is fine.
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2 Answers
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mitsuwao23 "who is to say." Is it interchangeable with "who could say"?
I wouldn't exactly use them interchangeably, although some people might in certain situations.

"Who is to say?" questions our authority. (No individual should make the specified statement.)

"Who can/could say?" questions our ability to answer. (Nobody is able
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Ahh, authorities and abilities. Good point. Now I am sure they are different.

Thanks again for your clear explanation.
M
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