Difference between "I'd say" and "I say"

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi,

What’s the difference between “I would say” and “I say”. For example in the below sentence:
1= I’d say the best one is a dictionary.
2= I say the best one is a dictionary.

Thanks,
Mohammad

2

“I say the best dictionary is…” - is more imperative or assertive as compared to “I’d say the best dictionary is…” which is nore humble.

“I’d say the best dictionary is” is the best option if you don’t want to sound overbearing, or invasive. You just want to communicate your humble opinion to your interlocutor.

(PS: I don’t understand your sentences, that’s why I substituted mine for yours)

3

Yes, the point is that ‘I’d say’ has a conditional flavour because the remaining part of the condition is understood as ‘if you asked me.’

Alan

4

Many thanks to Our Tort System and Mr. Alan