7.61 Using reporting verbs for politeness

Reporting verbs are often used to say something in a polite way.

7.62

If you want to contradict someone or to say something which might be unwelcome to them, you can avoid sounding rude by using a reporting verb such as 'think' or 'believe'.

• I think it's time we stopped.
• I don't think that will be necessary.
• I believe you ought to leave now.

Alternatively, you can make the reporting clause into a negative question.

• Don't you think we'd better wait and see?
• Don't you think you'd better slow down?

For more information on the use of reporting verbs to decrease the strength of a statement, see the section on performative verbs in Chapter 10 (10.102 to 10.105).