Guide 173 / 200 4 alternatives 2-minute read

Better ways to say “for what it's worth”

A pre-emptive apology for the sentence about to arrive.

i · Why avoid itTwo lines, no filler

Signals humility; also tells the reader to take the next line less seriously. If the point matters, say it straight. If it doesn't, consider cutting it.

ii · Before & afterDrop-in demo

Before

For what it's worth, I preferred the first draft.

After

I preferred the first draft — here's why.

iii · The alternatives4 ways out

01

In my view neutral

explicit opinion

In my view, the first draft was stronger.
02

One thought: informal

informal memo opener

One thought: the first draft was stronger.
03

A note: neutral

aside framing

A note: the first draft was stronger.
04

[delete it] neutral

commit to the claim

The first draft was stronger.

iv · Brew tipKeep this one

Pre-apologising for your point teaches the reader to discount it.