Emphasis or Distinction: English Vocabulary List

used to begin a statement that may disagree with or criticize someone while still being polite

"With all due respect I disagree."

"With all due respect I think you are wrong and here is why I believe that."

used to give enthusiastic permission or encouragement to do something

"By all means come to the party."

"By all means come to the party and bring your friends because the more the merrier."

used to indicate that what is about to be mentioned is so obvious that it does not require further explanation

"Needless to say he was late again."

"Needless to say, the team's star player was instrumental in their victory, scoring the winning goal."

used to introduce a statement or idea that should be considered because of the information or context just discussed

"With that in mind let us begin."

"With that in mind let us begin the meeting and discuss the agenda for today."

used to indicate that the statement being made is a significant understatement or that there is much more that could be said about the topic

"It was difficult, to say the least."

"The journey through the dense jungle was challenging and exhausting, to say the least, with constant obstacles and unforeseen dangers."

used to emphasize that the speaker is being sincere and truthful in their statement

"In all honesty I do not know."

"In all honesty I do not think you are ready for this responsibility yet but you can prove me wrong."

used to indicate that something is so obvious that it does not need to be explicitly mentioned

"It goes without saying."

"It goes without saying that we will support you fully in this important endeavor."

used to emphasize that the speaker is about to be completely honest in what they are going to say

"To tell the truth I forgot."

"To tell the truth I forgot about our appointment and I am very sorry for that."

used to emphasize that the speaker is revealing something honestly or openly

"Truth be told, I lied."

"Truth be told, I was not entirely convinced by his explanation, and I still have some lingering doubts about the situation."