"I hate to say it, but…"

Meaning: used to express criticism or something negative about someone or something in a softer way

Similar Expressions

• I hate to say it, but your report is not good.
• With all due respect, your report is not good.
• I'm sorry, but your report is not good.
• Don't take this the wrong way, but your report is not good.

When do we use it?

This expression is used when we want to say something negative in a softer, nicer way. We are about to say something negative to someone, so we want to make sure that we are not saying this negative thing because we want to or because we get joy from it.

This expression just helps us deliver criticism in a softer way.

• It is not good. (Direct and harsh)
• I hate to say it, but it is not good. (A little softer and less direct)

We can also use this expression when we are admitting or confessing something that we do not want to admit.

• I hate to say it, but you are right.

How do we use it?

We always use this at the beginning of the sentence before we criticize or say something negative.

• I hate to say it, but her son is not very smart.
• I hate to say it, but her restaurant is going to fail.
• I hate to say it, but her English is not good.

Example English Conversation

A) I hate to say it, but this was a bad idea.
B) You are right. I'm sorry.

It is important that you know English expressions and idioms if you want to have fluent English conversations with native English speakers or other advanced English speakers. Do not try to learn many expressions and idioms at one time. Instead, study a few of these free English lessons each week and learn English expressions and words well. This will help your English vocabulary improve steadily, and you will start speaking English like a native speaker.