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Difference between I say and I’ll say

admin Confusing Phrases

I say—

1. is used preceding an utterance to call attention to it:

  • Do you hear the rain, Mr. Caudle? I say, do you hear the rain?

2. is used as an exclamation of surprise, delight, or dismay:

  • I say, what on earth are you doing letting your eight year old watch a TV show you don’t approve of?

Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase I’m telling you—used to say smth. firmly to a person:

  • You are asking me to donate money to the party and I’m telling you I will not donate one red cent.

I’ll say—(coll.)

1. is used to show complete agreement with what was said:

  • “What a queer duck he is!” exclaimed Biff. “I’ll say he is!” ejaculated Chet Morton.

2. is used for emphasis:

  • If they’re doing well in a class and I’m not (at least not as well), I’ll say it’s just because they’re working hard.