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Grammar fix

for what it's worth

offering an opinion tentatively

Used to introduce your opinion or advice in a modest, careful way, suggesting you know it may not be very important or may not change the situation.

expressionC1occasional

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • For what it's worth, I think you handled the situation really well.communication
  • For what it's worth, I believe that technology has improved our lives in many ways, but it's also made us more distracted, so we need to find a balance.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: for what it's worth, [clause]

WrongFor what is worth, I think you're right.

RightFor what it's worth, I think you're right.

Fixed phrase 'for what IT'S worth' — keep 'it's'.

Patternfor what it's worth, [clause]

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Although my view may carry little weight, I would suggest the first option.

Natural For what it's worth, I'd go with the first one.

The chunk hedges modestly in four words; 'although my view may carry little weight' is laboured.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • for what it's worth
    for what it's worth,but for what it's worthfor what it's worth, I think

Don't confuse it

Unlike 'in my opinion', which simply states your view, 'for what it's worth' adds a sense of humility or doubt about how valuable your input is.

Try it in Daily Speak →