English grammar
Hedging: arguably, it could be argued, to some extent, I'd have thought, in a sense
Soften claims in a seminar: arguably, it could be argued, to some extent, I'd have thought, in a sense.
From the scene From one point of view…
In short
Soften claims with arguably, it could be argued, to some extent, in a sense, or I'd have thought…
Your turn
Which one goes with a claim you can defend?
Options: I'd have thought Velázquez knew · it could be argued they're standing where you are · that's true to some extent
Show answer
a claim you can defend → it could be argued they're standing where you are
How it works
In a seminar people avoid flat statements. Arguably and it could be argued (that) put forward a claim you're ready to defend, without insisting on it.
Good to know
To some extent and in a sense, like in a way, accept only part of an idea.
Good to know
I'd have thought (that) + a clause gives your view politely, often to disagree: I'd have thought Velázquez knew.
only partly true that's true to some extent
Elena
That's true to some extent. But you have to consider every aspect.
Hasta cierto punto es verdad. Pero hay que considerar cada aspecto.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank). But you have to consider every aspect.
Options: I'd have thought Velázquez knew · That's true to some extent · It could be argued they're standing where you are
Show answer
Elena
That's true to some extent. But you have to consider every aspect.
Hasta cierto punto es verdad. Pero hay que considerar cada aspecto.
a claim you can defend it could be argued they're standing where you are
Elena
It could be argued they're standing where you are.
Se podría argumentar que están donde está usted.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank).
Options: That's true to some extent · I'd have thought Velázquez knew · It could be argued they're standing where you are
Show answer
Elena
It could be argued they're standing where you are.
Se podría argumentar que están donde está usted.
a polite view or disagreement I'd have thought Velázquez knew
Nuria
I'd have thought Velázquez knew the royal court well.
Yo habría pensado que Velázquez conocía bien la corte real.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank) the royal court well.
Options: It could be argued they're standing where you are · I'd have thought Velázquez knew · That's true to some extent
Show answer
Nuria
I'd have thought Velázquez knew the royal court well.
Yo habría pensado que Velázquez conocía bien la corte real.
a careful claim in one word arguably, this coffee isn't bad
Ramón
Arguably, this coffee isn't bad. In a sense, it's the concept of coffee.
Podría decirse que este café no es malo. En cierto sentido, es el concepto de café.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank). In a sense, it's the concept of coffee.
Options: Arguably, this coffee isn't bad · That's true to some extent · It could be argued they're standing where you are
Show answer
Ramón
Arguably, this coffee isn't bad. In a sense, it's the concept of coffee.
Podría decirse que este café no es malo. En cierto sentido, es el concepto de café.
from one angle only in a sense
Ramón
Arguably, this coffee isn't bad. In a sense, it's the concept of coffee.
Podría decirse que este café no es malo. En cierto sentido, es el concepto de café.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Arguably, this coffee isn't bad. (blank), it's the concept of coffee.
Options: In a sense · That's true to some extent · It could be argued they're standing where you are
Show answer
Ramón
Arguably, this coffee isn't bad. In a sense, it's the concept of coffee.
Podría decirse que este café no es malo. En cierto sentido, es el concepto de café.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| only partly true | that's true to some extent |
|---|---|
| a claim you can defend | it could be argued they're standing where you are |
| a polite view or disagreement | I'd have thought Velázquez knew |
| a careful claim in one word | arguably, this coffee isn't bad |
| from one angle only | in a sense |
More lines from the story
- RamónA mirror. My method's simple: I come for the coffee.Un espejo. Mi proceso es sencillo: vengo por el café.
- NuriaOne theory says it's the king and queen.Según una teoría, refleja a los reyes.