I dare say

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I dare say" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to express or suggest hesitancy or uncertainty in making a statement. For example: "I dare say the weather will be nice for the wedding tomorrow, but it's hard to predict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I dare say Microsoft just pulled an Old Spice and got cooler.

TechCrunch

I dare say it's probably haunted; 1612 it was built.

Independent

"I dare say Elena has a little bit of that".

The New York Times

I dare say most Roman Catholics see it differently.

The New York Times

We change, and I dare say we become better people.

The Guardian - Opinion

I dare say his mum experienced a different emotion.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I dare say I have, yes," she says.

The Guardian - Film

But I dare say you knew that already.

The Guardian - Books

I dare say Colin de Land would have approved.

The New York Times - Arts

I dare say there are going to be more English fans there than Australians.

The Guardian - Sport

Technically, I dare say the head of BT is a telephone engineer.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience. While common, "I dare say" leans towards the formal and might sound out of place in casual conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "I dare say" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound stilted or overly formal. Use it sparingly for emphasis or when a touch of politeness is needed.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I dare say" is as a discourse marker. It serves to soften a statement, introduce an opinion, or express a mild assertion. Ludwig examples show it's used to add a layer of politeness or hesitation to the speaker's viewpoint.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"I dare say" is a versatile phrase used to express opinions or mild assertions with a degree of politeness and tentativeness. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media, though it can be employed across different registers. When writing, it's best to use it sparingly to prevent your style from sounding too stilted. Alternative phrases, such as "I suppose" or "in my opinion", can be used to convey a similar meaning while adding variety to your writing. All the analyzed sources confirm that this expression is safe to use if your intention is to soften the approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I would venture to say

Emphasizes the speaker's willingness to make a statement despite potential disagreement or uncertainty.

I'd suggest

Offers a more direct and less hesitant suggestion or opinion.

I'd imagine

Speculates based on available information or understanding.

It is my belief

Highlights the personal nature of the opinion being expressed.

I presume

Implies an assumption based on probability or likelihood.

I suppose

Indicates a lack of strong conviction or certainty.

In my opinion

Explicitly states that the following statement is a personal viewpoint.

If I may say so

Precedes a potentially critical or presumptuous statement, seeking to soften its impact.

I'm inclined to think

Indicates a leaning towards a particular belief or opinion.

I'm of the opinion

Formal way of expressing a personal belief.

FAQs

How can I use "I dare say" in a sentence?

"I dare say" is often used to express a polite opinion or a tentative assertion. For example: "I dare say the weather will improve soon."

What phrases are similar to "I dare say"?

Alternatives to "I dare say" include "I suppose", "I believe", or "in my opinion", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "I dare say" formal or informal?

"I dare say" leans towards the formal side, though it can be used in neutral contexts. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when deciding whether to use it.

What is the origin of the phrase "I dare say"?

The phrase "I dare say" has been used in English for centuries, originating as a way to express a tentative or polite opinion, often implying a degree of uncertainty or deference.