31. Correcting Yourself - 2. Linking Gambits

Conversation Gambits - Eric Keller, Sylvia T Warner 1988

31. Correcting Yourself
2. Linking Gambits

Sometimes we say something which we don t really mean Then we must go back and say it again but more dearly and more accurately

Work with another student and make one of the statements in the list below They areal! rather extreme so you should moderate what you say using a phrase from the list

For example:

Student 1 I never learn anything in school

Student 2 Do you really mean that?

Student 1 Well, what I mean is I don t think 1 learn very much — maybe from one or two teachers but not all.

Extreme statements

1. I cant stand teachers

2. I d never live in England

3. I never swear

4. People who smoke in public should be fined

5. Students are lazy

6. I always say exactly what I think

7. I never have to look a word up in the dictionary

8. I don t make grammar mistakes

Now think of your own prejudices

9. I hate ...

10. I never ...

11. People who ... should be put in prison

12. ... shouldnt be allowed

What I mean is ...

What I meant was ...

Let me put it another way.

What I’m saying is ...

What I’m trying to say is ...

Don’t misunderstand me,

If I said that, I didn’t mean to ...

1Let me rephrase what I just said.

1. More formal