Before I say something vs Before I say anything

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Before I say something' is used when the speaker is about to mention a specific thing, while 'before I say anything' is more general and can refer to any topic or statement.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 2057 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when the speaker is referring to a specific thing they are about to mention.

"Before I say something"

This phrase is used when the speaker wants to emphasize that they are going to mention a particular point or topic.

Examples:

Before I say something, I want to clarify a few points.
Let me think before I say something that might upset you.

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Before I say something on two important problems, let me refer to the surreal performance of the British Prime Minister in Lisbon.
I think you'd best leave before I say something out of turn.
Before I say something funny.
Before I say something, I say it in my head first so it doesn't come out wrong.

Alternatives:

Before I mention something
Before I bring something up

This phrase is correct and commonly used when the speaker is referring to making a general statement or comment without specifying a particular topic.

"Before I say anything"

This phrase is used when the speaker wants to indicate that they are going to speak in general terms without focusing on a specific point.

Examples:

Before I say anything, I need to gather my thoughts.
Let me know if you need help before I say anything.

Show examples from the web [+]

And before I say anything else, I want to congratulate you on having done so well.
Okay, before I say anything, I want you to know that I'm not even sure how I feel about this.
Before I say anything else, captain, I just...
Before I say anything, I need to be sure that I can't get into trouble for this.
Before I say anything else... one of our brothers was killed in the line of duty last night.
Before I say anything, I just want to say this is completely unexpected.
Before I say anything... you have to promise that you'll do what you can for my brother.
Before I say anything else, I would like to make one thing completely clear: I have absolutely no interest whatsoever in negotiating agreements with ACP countries that could make these countries poorer.
Before I say anything about each of the six countries individually, I should perhaps say a word about Malta, which clearly finds itself in a rather special position as a result of the interruption in its membership application.
I want a deal before I say anything else.
Well, before I say anything gauche, tell me which one you're seeing.
But before I say anything, I need your word that you won't send in the troops again.
Now, don't say no before I say anything.
But before I say anything else, I'd like you all to look around this place very carefully and see if you can tell me what's different about in here than on the plane.
Walk around and ask everybody what they are before I say anything to them?
Mr President, Commissioners, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to say, before I say anything else, that the integration of economic and employment policy guidelines is a step in the right direction.
Mr President, perhaps I might say, before I say anything else, that the behaviour indulged in by some of the dockers yesterday here in Strasbourg goes far beyond what is tolerable or permissible in political life.
Before I say anything else...
Before I say anything, I want to know I'm going to be able to keep my business.
Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to make it clear, before I say anything else, that I am not, today, speaking on behalf of the CDU/CSU delegation to the European Parliament.

Alternatives:

Before I say something
Before I speak

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Before I say something vs Before I say anything