I must say

To be honest

*I must say* is a phrase that introduces or emphasizes a personal observation or opinion, often one that's surprising, impressive, or contrary to expectation: I must say, you've outdone yourself this time.

It adds a note of candor or mild formality, suggesting the speaker feels compelled to voice something: I must say, I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did.

Sometimes used ironically to soften criticism: I must say, that was an interesting choice.

emphasis

stress

Pressure, mental or vocal

underscore · declaration · pronouncement · affirmation · exclamation · interjection · forceful · emphatic · categorical · pointed

preface

preamble

Preliminary statement before content

caveat · hedge · qualifier · interjection · segue · transition · aside · parenthetical · prelude · introduction

candor

frankness

Direct, unguarded honesty

forthrightness · confession · admission · disclosure · revelation · truth-telling · plain-speaking · outspokenness · sincerity · openness

politeness

courtesy

Respectful, considerate behavior

tact · diplomacy · graciousness · deference · propriety · genteelness · refinement · formality · mannered · genteel

Opposites
candor and directness

I must sayno comment

Refusal to speak

between you and me · off the record

emphasis and assertion

I must sayI suppose

Tentative concession phrase

I guess · perhaps · maybe · sort of · kind of

compulsion to speak vs. restraint

I must saymum's the word

Keep this secret

Family

say, must, saying, says, muster, unsaid, mustered, musters, mustering

Familiarity
Top 50,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G