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aimira
What’s wrong with “I would say”?
I’d like to know why this phrase is not correct.
Dec 3, 2019 5:07 PM
Answers · 6
1
More context is needed.
(real situations)
-1- At the meeting tomorrow, I will say X.
-2- If I go to the meeting tomorrow, I will say X.
(unreal situations)
-3- If I went to the meeting tomorrow, I would say X.
-4- If I had gone to the meeting yesterday, I would have said X.
variations of -3-
If I were/was you, I would say X.
If I were/was in that situation, I would say X.
I would say X. [implied - If I were/was ...]
More information about real and unreal conditionals.
https://www.ef.com/ca/english-resources/english-grammar/conditional/
Reported speech.
Yesterday: "John, I will say X at the meeting."
Today: "Yesterday, I told John that I would say X at the meeting."
More information about backshifting verbs.
https://www.ef.com/ca/english-resources/english-grammar/tense-changes-when-using-reported-speech/
December 3, 2019
Depending on the context that phrase could be correct. It can be used when correcting someone ex: I would say ____ instead of ____. In this context it’s a polite way to suggest an alternative. In What context are you looking to use the phrase?
December 3, 2019
I’m very thankful to you all for your answers and explanation.
December 3, 2019
I don't see anything wrong with it though. Especially if it's used in a conditional sentence.
example:
"If you met him, what would you say to him?"
"I would say to him that I don't like his attitude."
December 3, 2019
It depends on the contexts of what you are trying it say. There are instances where it is correct and instances where it is not correct.
December 3, 2019
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aimira
Language Skills
English, German, Hebrew, Other, Russian, Ukrainian
Learning Language
English
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