“If You Say So” – Meaning & Synonyms (With Examples)

Have you ever been in a situation where you’re just unsure or iffy about what someone said? I’m sure you’ve been in many scenarios where you’re in disbelief and doubt. In these scenarios, you might say something like, ‘if you say so,’ but what does this mean?

What Does It Mean When Someone Says ‘If You Say So?’

We use ‘if you say so’ when we’re in doubt of something, so we take someone else’s word for it instead. We usually say this when verification and reliability are not available, so we take someone else’s word for it instead.

There are also times when we use this phrase to express that you will follow a decision that another person made. If you don’t necessarily have the same choice or if you haven’t decided yet, saying ‘if you say so’ means going for the decision of the other person despite possibly having doubt.

You may also see it as a weak or indifferent agreement. If one has an opposing opinion as you, but they’re tired of arguing or raising points, the person can resort to saying ‘if you say so’ sarcastically which serves as a weak agreement to stop the ongoing argument.

Depending on one’s delivery, others may also interpret it as invalidating their opinions because people don’t trust their opinion nor do they care about it. It means you’re not convinced of the truth or value of what was said.

Is It Rude To Say ‘If You Say So?’

The phrase ‘if you say so’ may be rude or offensive to some. It may give an impression that you don’t fully trust the other person or what that person is saying. However, others may also be fine with you saying this to them.

The key here is the delivery. Try saying the phrase with a more polite tone, or say something like ‘if you say so, I’ll trust what you say,’ to not sound offensive to the other person. If in case the person you’re talking with gets offended, make sure to apologize and clarify what you meant by what you said.

You can also try other synonymous phrases and words to ‘if you say so’ that sound less offensive. Or better yet, make sure to do your verification and research or reach a decision to avoid saying this phrase.

Examples Of How To Use ‘If You Say So’ In A Sentence

Below are examples of how we use ‘if you say so’ in a sentence.

1. I’m not sure about the topic proposal we have right now. But, if you say so, and if you think this is already sufficient, I can go with this.
2. I think black and white suits our theme better. But if you say so, we can also choose pink and purple.
3. Honestly, the third group’s product is more efficient and affordable. But, I guess we can advertise the fourth group’s sales if you say so. You’re the president, anyway.
4. If you say so, I can try and compromise with your wants. I’ll try to adjust the policies by next week to compromise our standards.
5. I’m tired of arguing and saying the same points all over again. So, if you say so, Ariana Grande is better than Taylor Swift.
6. I think the counselor didn’t believe a thing I said. I told her how someone almost robbed me on my way to school, that’s why I’m late. But, she just replied ‘if you say so’ with a blank face.
7. Everything you said during the meeting didn’t convince me at all. But, since you’re our leader, if you say so, I’ll believe you.
8. I thought turning 18 would be a big deal and a dramatic change in my life. But [if you say] if my sister says so, I guess there’s no need to make a big deal about it.
9. If you say so, I guess we can go with the letter A as our answer. We’re leading on the scoreboard, anyway. It’s okay if we get this wrong.
10. I can arrange the font differently if you say so. I’ll try to make the adjustments to the poster by today.

‘If You Say So’ Synonyms

Below is a list of phrases and words synonymous with ‘if you say so.’

• By your word
• If you think so
• Just as you say
• If you believe it to be so
• Whatever floats your boat
• I’ll take your word for it
• I hear you
• I respect your opinion
• If that’s how you feel, I respect it
• According to your words