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I tell you what

Phrase of the day

Discover a new phrase each day to use in your English! These are special phrases and sayings that English speakers use all the time, but you don't often see these phrases in English course books or other study material. Visit daily to learn some popular English phrases on a regular basis.

6 October 2026

I tell you what

We use this expression to make a suggestion.

Written: Yes

Spoken: Yes

Formal: No

Informal: Yes

Example 1

You're not busy tomorrow are you?

No. Why?

I tell you what. Let's see if we can get tickets for the match.

Example 2

This is going to take me ages. I tell you what, if you help, I'll buy you dinner.

OK. Good idea. What do you want me to do?

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