In a manner of speaking
Hedging expression to soften claims
Littéralement: Inside a style of communicating
Use it to soften a metaphor or an exaggeration without losing the point of your story.
En 15 secondes
- Used to mean 'sort of' or 'in a way'.
- Softens a statement that isn't literally true.
- Adds a touch of sophistication to your speech.
Signification
You use this phrase when you want to say that something is true in a general or metaphorical way, but not exactly or literally. It's like saying 'if you look at it from a certain angle' or 'sort of.'
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Describing a long-term project
This office has become my home, in a manner of speaking.
This office is like my home, in a way.
Talking about a pet
He's the boss of the house, in a manner of speaking.
He's like the boss of the house, sort of.
Explaining a technical concept
The cloud is just someone else's computer, in a manner of speaking.
The cloud is basically someone else's computer.
Contexte culturel
The phrase highlights the English-speaking cultural preference for hedging and indirectness. It allows a speaker to maintain 'plausible deniability' regarding the literal truth of their statement. It became a staple of polite society to avoid appearing too blunt or unrefined.
The Comma Pause
Always put a tiny pause or a comma before saying this phrase at the end of a sentence. It makes the 'hedge' feel more natural.
Don't use with facts
Never use it for simple facts. Saying 'The sun is hot, in a manner of speaking' sounds like you're questioning science!
En 15 secondes
- Used to mean 'sort of' or 'in a way'.
- Softens a statement that isn't literally true.
- Adds a touch of sophistication to your speech.
What It Means
Think of in a manner of speaking as a linguistic safety net. You use it when you are making a claim that isn't 100% accurate if you look at the dictionary. It tells your listener, "Don't take my words literally, but you get the general idea." It bridges the gap between a strict fact and a poetic truth. It is the ultimate way to be vague yet meaningful at the same time.
How To Use It
You usually drop this at the end of a sentence to soften a bold statement. You can also use it in the middle to pause for effect. It works best when you are using a metaphor. For example, if you say your car is a "time machine," it isn't literally one. But because it's old and smells like the 90s, it is, in a manner of speaking.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound thoughtful or slightly sophisticated. It’s perfect for office meetings when you need to describe a complex situation. It also works great when you’re being a bit cheeky with friends. If someone asks if you're "rich" and you just got paid, you might say "In a manner of speaking" while buying the first round of drinks. It adds a layer of mystery to your conversation.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase when precision is a matter of life or death. Don't use it in a court of law or while giving medical directions. If a doctor says, "You are cured, in a manner of speaking," you should probably be worried. Also, don't overdo it in text messages. It can make you sound a bit like a Victorian professor if used every five minutes.
Cultural Background
This expression has been around since the 1500s. It reflects a very British and American trait of "understatement." English speakers often feel uncomfortable being too direct or aggressive. This phrase allows us to say something bold while immediately taking a half-step back. It’s the verbal version of a polite shrug.
Common Variations
If you want to switch it up, you can try so to speak. It’s shorter and punchier. You might also hear as it were, which is much more formal and fancy. For a very casual vibe, people just say kind of or sort of. But in a manner of speaking remains the classic choice for a balanced, intellectual tone.
Notes d'usage
This phrase sits comfortably in the 'neutral' to 'formal' range. It is a great tool for business English to avoid sounding too aggressive or overly certain.
The Comma Pause
Always put a tiny pause or a comma before saying this phrase at the end of a sentence. It makes the 'hedge' feel more natural.
Don't use with facts
Never use it for simple facts. Saying 'The sun is hot, in a manner of speaking' sounds like you're questioning science!
The British 'Maybe'
In the UK, this is often used to avoid saying a direct 'No' or 'Yes'. It's a polite way to stay in the middle ground.
Exemples
6This office has become my home, in a manner of speaking.
This office is like my home, in a way.
The speaker doesn't literally live there, but spends all their time there.
He's the boss of the house, in a manner of speaking.
He's like the boss of the house, sort of.
A humorous way to say the dog runs the household.
The cloud is just someone else's computer, in a manner of speaking.
The cloud is basically someone else's computer.
Simplifies a complex idea using a relatable comparison.
We are family, in a manner of speaking, after twenty years of friendship.
We are like family, in a way.
Expresses deep emotional connection without biological ties.
My room is a disaster zone, in a manner of speaking! 😅
My room is basically a disaster zone.
Uses the phrase to playfully exaggerate the mess.
I was the architect of the new strategy, in a manner of speaking.
I was the one who designed the strategy, essentially.
Sounds more humble than saying 'I did everything.'
Teste-toi
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence where the speaker is being metaphorical.
He's my right-hand man, ___.
Since a person cannot literally be a hand, you need a hedging expression to show it is a metaphor.
Which phrase fits a professional yet slightly indirect tone?
The project is finished, ___, though we still have some paperwork.
This phrase acknowledges that while the main work is done, the statement isn't 100% complete.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of Hedging
Used with friends.
Sort of / Kind of
Good for most situations.
In a manner of speaking
Academic or literary.
As it were
Where to use 'In a manner of speaking'
Office Meeting
We've hit a wall...
Dinner Party
I'm a chef...
Explaining Tech
It's a brain...
Old Friends
We're brothers...
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's actually the opposite! While literally means exactly what you say, in a manner of speaking means 'not exactly, but figuratively.'
Yes, it is acceptable in academic writing to qualify a metaphor, but don't use it too often or you'll sound indecisive.
It is very common in both, though you might hear it slightly more in British English due to their love for understatement.
It's rare. It usually sounds better at the end: He's the king of the office, in a manner of speaking.
They are nearly identical. So to speak is just a bit shorter and more common in fast conversation.
Not at all. It's actually very polite because it shows you aren't trying to force a strict opinion on someone.
Yes! If someone asks 'Are you two dating?' you could answer 'In a manner of speaking...' to imply it's complicated.
It's a bit classic, but definitely not 'old.' It sounds like you have a good vocabulary.
You don't need both. Instead of 'It's like a zoo, in a manner of speaking,' just say 'It's a zoo, in a manner of speaking.'
Using it when you are 100% correct. If you say 'I am a human, in a manner of speaking,' people will think you're an alien!
Expressions liées
So to speak
Used to highlight that you are using a metaphor.
As it were
A formal way to say 'in a way' or 'so to speak'.
In a sense
Used to show that a statement is true from one specific perspective.
If you will
A polite way to suggest a specific word or comparison.
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