Search from various English teachers...
dario
what does ``for what is worth ´´mean ?
Mar 24, 2010 10:52 PM
Answers · 2
1
Hi Dario, "for what it's worth " has a slightly flippant connotation. It means, for lack of a better explanation, "take this information and do what you like with it".
"For what it's worth, this cereal is better." The speaker doesn't want to say "This cereal is better". "In my opinion" is another way to say it.
It is used to soften a statement, such as the one you used. "Or for what it's worth, why did you come back?" The speaker is trying to convey a feeling of not caring whether the person came back or not. He may care very much, but he doesn't want the person to know his true feelings.
I hope this helps.
March 25, 2010
1
Hi dario g,
Just my opinion as for "for what it's worth" the idea seems to play something down, to convey the idea that the message is not so important, not necessarily accurate (it is just your opinion after all), or to try to fool someone into thinking it doesn't matter to you. I suppose it must be useful when you wan't to give someone a piece of advice and don't want him/her to think that you might be hurt if your advice isn't followed.
March 24, 2010
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!
dario
Language Skills
Chinese (Shanghainese), English, Spanish
Learning Language
Chinese (Shanghainese), English
Articles You May Also Like

Same Word, Different Meaning: American, British, and South African English
10 likes · 7 Comments

How to Sound Confident in English (Even When You’re Nervous)
12 likes · 9 Comments

Marketing Vocabulary and Phrases for Business English Learners
9 likes · 2 Comments
More articles