if you will
In a sense
If you will is a phrase that softens or hedges a statement, inviting the listener to accept a particular way of framing something: He's a visionary, if you will.
It often introduces figurative language or unconventional descriptions, as if asking permission for the phrasing: The internet is, if you will, a digital town square.
Sometimes used self-consciously or ironically when the speaker knows the description is a stretch.
Phrase signaling loose usage
- as it wereQualifier for imprecision
- in a manner of speakingExpressing approximate truth
- figurativelyIn non-literal terms
- looselyWithout being tight
roughly · approximately · more or less · kind of · sort of · quasi · somewhat · arguably
Accept as true tentatively
- assumingAccepting as true unverified
- grantedGiven or allowed officially
- providedSupplied or given
- perhapsExpressing uncertainty
possibly · conceivably · theoretically · hypothetically · contingent · provisional · speculative · tentative
Agent that reduces hardness
- qualifierWord or phrase limiting meaning
- tactfulSocially sensitive and careful
- diplomaticTactful and sensitive
- deferentialShowing humble submission
courteous · genteel · circumspect · considerate · respectful · decorous · gracious · urbane
so to speak
Phrase signaling loose usage
- as it wereQualifier for imprecision
- in a manner of speakingExpressing approximate truth
- figurativelyIn non-literal terms
loosely · roughly · approximately · more or less · kind of · sort of · quasi · somewhat · arguably · essentially
suppose
Accept as true tentatively
perhaps · possibly · conceivably · theoretically · hypothetically · contingent · provisional · speculative · tentative · conditional
softener
Agent that reduces hardness
- qualifierWord or phrase limiting meaning
- tactfulSocially sensitive and careful
- diplomaticTactful and sensitive
deferential · courteous · genteel · circumspect · considerate · respectful · decorous · gracious · urbane · civil
please
Polite appeal word
indulge · consent · oblige · grant · favor · courtesy · deference · accommodation · acquiescence
- filler phrasesum, uh, like, you know, I mean
- polite phrasesplease, thank you, yes sir, hello, no sir
- clarifiersi.e., e.g., namely, meaning, specifically
- Polite delaysexcuse me, one moment, just a minute, hold on, bear with me
- sentence adverbsobviously, certainly, probably, possibly, perhaps
- fillersfiller, gap filler, filler material, caulk, grout
if you willwithout a doubt
With complete certainty
certainly · absolutely · definitively · undeniably · unquestionably
if you willlike it or not
Regardless of preference
frankly · no offense but · period · full stop · end of story
will, willing, unwilling, willpower, willful, willingness, willed, unwillingness, free will