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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 • 1854 views

Before I say something

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

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.
  • 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

Before I say anything

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

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.
  • 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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