Summary
When you agree with someone about some or all of what they said, there’s an expression you can use! Learn that expression with us!
Transcript
Jiaying
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I’m Jiaying…
Neil
…and I’m Neil.
Jiaying
Are you ready for tonight’s virtual birthday party?
Neil
Yes! I think I’ve bought Rob the best present ever! You know he likes biscuits, right?
Jiaying
Likes them? He loves them!
Neil
Exactly – well I’ve bought him a biscuit jar that has his face on it! I think he’s going to love it!
Jiaying
It’s very usual, but I’ll give you that – he’ll love it!
Neil
You’ll give me what? I don’t want it – it’s a present for Rob! Why would you give it to me?
Jiaying
No, Neil – I said ‘I’ll give you that’ which means I accept something you said and agree with it!
Neil
Ahhh that makes sense – well, you know what I think would be a good idea. Some examples.
Jiaying
Yes – it’s a great idea – I’ll give you that! Let’s listen to them!
Examples
He’s really funny, I’ll give you that, but sometimes he says things that are mean.
It’s really raining now! You were right to bring an umbrella – I’ll give you that!
I’m not a fan of her music, but she’s a great singer – I’ll give you that!
Jiaying
You’re listening to The English We Speak from BBC Learning English, and we’re talking about the expression ‘I’ll give you that’. We use this expression to agree with one point or all of what someone has said. It’s a great expression, isn’t it, Neil?
Neil
It most certainly is! I’ll give you that. It’s an interesting expression, because we quite often use it to agree with part of something rather than completely agree.
Jiaying
Yes – for example if I say that learning the violin was fun and easy.
Neil
I might say ‘it’s fun – I’ll give you that, but it’s not easy.’
Jiaying
Right – I suppose I’d better get ready for the birthday party. I need to try to find something for Rob that’s even better than your present!
Neil
You’re competitive – I’ll give you that, but I doubt you’ll find something better!
Jiaying
True! Bye Neil!
Neil
Bye!