shall we say

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shall we say" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when introducing a more gentle, less direct way of phrasing something. For example, you could say: "It's been a difficult year, shall we say."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

How shall we say this?

The New Yorker

Shall we say it?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Shall we say nothing in their behalf?

The New Yorker

That seems, shall we say, unlikely.

The New Yorker

My hopes are, shall we say, restrained.

The New Yorker

Shall we say… quantitatively eased?

The Guardian - Opinion

So what shall we say?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Shall we say 'the seed'?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

She's, shall we say, she's uptight".

The New York Times

It is often… different, shall we say.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's exquisite--shall we say, untouchable?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "shall we say" to suggest a more accurate or nuanced description when the initial word choice might be imprecise or inadequate. For example: "His methods are, "shall we say", unorthodox."

Common error

Avoid overuse of "shall we say", as it can make your writing sound hesitant or evasive. Use it sparingly to add nuance, not to fill gaps in your vocabulary. Overusing it makes writing sound passive and less confident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shall we say" functions as a discourse marker, specifically an introductory phrase that softens or qualifies the statement that follows. It's used to introduce a more tactful or less direct way of expressing something. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

19%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shall we say" is a versatile introductory phrase used to soften statements or suggest alternative phrasings, as validated by Ludwig AI. It functions as a discourse marker to signal tentativeness or politeness. While its usage spans various contexts, it is particularly prevalent in news, media, and academic writing. To ensure effective communication, it's important to wield this phrase judiciously to prevent diluting the intended message and make the text sound passive. The phrase "shall we say" is widely used and understood, yet it's advisable to exercise restraint, ensuring that it enhances rather than detracts from the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let's just say

This option is less formal and more direct, indicating a simplification or understatement.

so to speak

This phrase is a more concise version of "in a manner of speaking", indicating a similar sentiment.

how might one put it

This phrase is a more elaborate way of introducing an alternative phrasing, adding a touch of formality.

if you will

This phrase seeks the listener's agreement or understanding for the unconventional phrasing used.

to put it gently

This phrase emphasizes the desire to be tactful or mild in the statement that follows.

in a manner of speaking

This phrase suggests that the following statement is not entirely accurate but serves a purpose.

as it were

This phrase suggests that the speaker is drawing an analogy or using a somewhat inexact term.

to phrase it differently

This phrase explicitly indicates an intention to reword something in a different way.

in other words

This phrase introduces a restatement of a previous idea in simpler terms.

put another way

Similar to "in other words", this phrase signifies a rephrasing for clarity or emphasis.

FAQs

How can I use "shall we say" in a sentence?

"Shall we say" is used to introduce a softer or more indirect way of phrasing something, often to avoid being too blunt or critical. For example, "The food was, "shall we say", interesting."

What can I say instead of "shall we say"?

You can use alternatives like "so to speak", "in a manner of speaking", or "let's just say" depending on the context.

Is "shall we say" formal or informal?

"Shall we say" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it tends to be more common in neutral to slightly formal settings where a degree of politeness or indirectness is desired.

What's the difference between "shall we say" and "so to speak"?

"Shall we say" is generally used to soften a statement, while "so to speak" is used to indicate that you are using a somewhat loose or metaphorical expression. "Shall we say" implies a need for tact, whereas "so to speak" implies a non-literal interpretation.