i will preface this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I will preface this" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to introduce or provide context for what you are about to say or write. Example: "Before diving into the main topic, I will preface this by sharing some background information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

I will preface this by saying fantastic show, I love it.

The New York Times

I will preface this by saying I'm a huge Lance Armstrong fan.

HuffPost

I will preface this by saying that I am by no means a "cop-hater".

Huffington Post

I will preface this by saying I have no idea what National Pizza Day actually is, but I was hungover today and wanted pizza nonetheless.

Vice

I will preface this first encounter by saying the following -- after my initial separation I had a very hard time concentrating or getting any sleep.

Huffington Post

I will preface this story by saying, my elderly aunt is anything but sweet, but still the actions of the bank teller were a bit over the top.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

I'll preface this by saying this is completely my opinion.

The New Yorker

I'll preface this by saying that SMS in its current state is perfectly fine.

TechCrunch

Now I'll preface this part to say that the error, could have, possibly, been mine — but I don't think that it was.

TechCrunch

I'll preface this next little bit by mentioning that the build I played with isn't final just yet — it hasn't undergone the final cleaning that comes with carrier testing.

TechCrunch

I'll preface this by saying that it is GamePro's 20th Anniversary and with that they'd like to invite one lucky bloke to help them cover E3 in LA next month.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "i will preface this" to smoothly transition into a potentially controversial or misunderstood topic. It signals to the reader that you are aware of potential concerns and are providing necessary context.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple paragraphs or sections with "i will preface this". Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and formulaic. Strive for varied introductory techniques to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i will preface this" serves as an introductory device, signaling the speaker's intention to provide context or a preliminary statement before proceeding with the main content. Ludwig's examples show it setting up disclaimers, providing background or a setup to something that will follow.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "i will preface this" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to introduce context or disclaimers, setting the stage for subsequent information. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is most commonly found in news and media sources and while it's suitable for professional use, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding repetitive. When aiming to express a similar meaning, consider alternatives like "let me introduce this by saying" or "i'd like to set the stage with" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let me first mention that

Emphasizes that the information is being mentioned first.

let me introduce this by saying

Changes the verb from "preface" to "introduce", making it slightly more direct.

i should mention beforehand that

Highlights the temporal aspect of mentioning something in advance.

i want to begin by noting

Replaces "preface" with "begin by noting", altering the emphasis to observation.

to give you some background

Focuses on providing context for better understanding.

i'd like to set the stage with

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate providing background information.

as a preliminary remark

Presents the statement as an initial observation.

before i proceed, consider this

Shifts the focus to asking for consideration before moving forward.

for context, consider the following

Emphasizes the need to consider the following information for proper understanding.

by way of introduction

More formal and concise way to introduce the topic.

FAQs

How can I use "i will preface this" in a sentence?

You can use "i will preface this" to introduce context or a disclaimer before presenting an argument or sharing information. For example, "I will preface this by saying that I am not an expert, but...".

What are some alternatives to "i will preface this"?

Some alternatives include "let me introduce this by saying", "i want to begin by noting", or "by way of introduction", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "i will preface this"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English sentence structure and is widely accepted in both formal and informal writing.

When is it appropriate to use "i will preface this" in writing?

It's appropriate when you need to provide background information, offer a disclaimer, or set the context before presenting your main point. It helps manage expectations and ensures your audience understands the basis for your statements.