If you are wondering whether the correct phrase is “suffice it to say” or “suffice to say,” the standard expression is “suffice it to say.”
It means that you are about to give a brief statement that is enough to explain or summarize the important point.
For example: “Suffice it to say, the meeting did not go as planned.”
You may also encounter “suffice to say,” especially in modern writing and informal usage.
It is understandable and increasingly common, but “suffice it to say” is the traditional and more established form.
The phrase can sound somewhat formal, so it is most often used in essays, articles, stories, speeches, and other contexts where the writer wants to summarize a situation without explaining every detail.
Understanding the grammar behind the phrase can help you choose the most natural form for your writing.
Quick Answer
“Suffice it to say” is the traditional and standard expression. It means “it is enough to say” or “it is sufficient to say.” “Suffice to say” is also used and understood, but it is a shortened form. When you want the safest and most established expression, use “suffice it to say.”
Why Do People Confuse “Suffice It to Say” and “Suffice to Say”?
The confusion comes from the fact that both expressions communicate essentially the same idea.
The verb suffice means to be enough or to be sufficient. The word it in “suffice it to say” acts as a grammatical placeholder referring to the statement that follows.
Because the meaning remains clear without it, speakers and writers sometimes leave it out:
- Suffice it to say, we were surprised.
- Suffice to say, we were surprised.
Both are understandable, but they differ in traditionality and style.
For formal or careful writing, “suffice it to say” is generally the better-established choice.
What Does “Suffice” Mean?
Suffice is a verb meaning to be enough or to be sufficient.
For example:
One example will suffice.
This means:
One example will be enough.
The word suffice is somewhat formal and is more common in written English than in everyday conversation.
Examples with “Suffice”
- A brief explanation will suffice.
- Two people should suffice for the task.
- This amount will suffice.
- A simple apology would suffice.
The phrase “suffice it to say” comes from this same verb.
What Does “It to Say” Mean?
In “suffice it to say,” the word it helps form the established expression.
The phrase can be understood as:
It is enough to say that…
For example:
Suffice it to say, I was disappointed.
This means roughly:
It is enough to say that I was disappointed.
The expression tells the reader that the writer is intentionally leaving out additional details because the following statement gives enough information.
Suffice It to Say vs. Suffice to Say
| Expression | Meaning | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suffice it to say | It is enough to say | Traditional, established expression | Suffice it to say, we were shocked. |
| Suffice to say | It is enough to say | Shortened, modern usage | Suffice to say, the plan failed. |
| It is enough to say | The information is sufficient | Plain and direct | It is enough to say that we disagreed. |
| In short | Gives a brief summary | Informal and widely used | In short, we decided to leave. |
When Should You Use Each Expression?
When to Use “Suffice It to Say”
Use “suffice it to say” when you want to introduce a short conclusion or important fact without providing all the background.
Suffice it to say, the experience changed my opinion.
It works especially well when the reader can infer that there is more to the story.
When to Use “Suffice to Say”
“Suffice to say” is also understandable and appears in contemporary English, but it is less traditional than “suffice it to say.”
You may see it in:
- Blogs
- Online articles
- Informal writing
- Conversation
- Modern edited prose
If you are writing a formal essay, academic assignment, professional document, or other careful piece of writing, “suffice it to say” is the safer choice.
When to Use a Simpler Alternative
For students and ESL learners, a simpler phrase may sometimes sound more natural.
Instead of:
Suffice it to say, the results were disappointing.
You could write:
In short, the results were disappointing.
Or:
It is enough to say that the results were disappointing.
12 Examples of “Suffice It to Say”
- Suffice it to say, we were not prepared for the news.
- Suffice it to say, the trip did not go according to plan.
- Suffice it to say, she was extremely happy with the result.
- Suffice it to say, the restaurant was busier than expected.
- Suffice it to say, I learned an important lesson.
- Suffice it to say, they were disappointed by the decision.
- Suffice it to say, the new system requires some adjustment.
- Suffice it to say, we will not make that mistake again.
- Suffice it to say, his answer surprised everyone.
- Suffice it to say, the project took longer than expected.
- Suffice it to say, the two teams had very different opinions.
- Suffice it to say, the experience was unforgettable.
Examples of “Suffice to Say”
Although “suffice it to say” is the more established form, you may encounter “suffice to say” in contemporary English.
- Suffice to say, we were surprised.
- Suffice to say, the results were unexpected.
- Suffice to say, he was not pleased.
- Suffice to say, the situation became complicated.
The meaning is clear in each case.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Writing “suffice it say”
A common error is leaving out to:
❌ Suffice it say, we left early.
Correct:
✅ Suffice it to say, we left early.
The established expression contains it to say.
Mistake 2: Writing “suffices it to say”
The standard fixed expression is:
Suffice it to say…
Not:
❌ Suffices it to say…
Here, suffice is used in the subjunctive-style construction of the expression.
Mistake 3: Using “suffice” as if it means “explain”
Suffice does not mean “explain.” It means be enough.
A short answer will suffice.
This means:
A short answer will be enough.
Mistake 4: Using the phrase when a simple expression would be clearer
“Suffice it to say” can sound formal or literary.
For everyday communication, you might simply say:
In short, we decided to leave.
or:
Simply put, the plan did not work.
What Is an Easy Memory Trick?
Remember:
Suffice = enough
So:
Suffice it to say = It is enough to say
If you can replace the phrase with “it is enough to say,” you are using it correctly.
For example:
Suffice it to say, I was disappointed.
Think:
It is enough to say, I was disappointed.
The wording is different, but the basic idea is the same.
American vs. British English
“Suffice it to say” is used in both American and British English. It is not a phrase that belongs exclusively to one major variety of English.
In both varieties, the expression can sound formal, literary, or somewhat old-fashioned, depending on the context.
Modern speakers may prefer simpler alternatives such as:
- In short
- Simply put
- It is enough to say
- In brief
- To put it simply
The choice often depends more on tone and context than on nationality.
Similar Words and Expressions
In short
Used to give a brief summary.
In short, we need more time.
Simply put
Used to explain something in a direct, simple way.
Simply put, the plan is too expensive.
In brief
In brief, the proposal was rejected.
In summary
Common in formal and academic writing.
In summary, the evidence supports the conclusion.
To put it simply
Introduces a simplified explanation.
To put it simply, we need a better solution.
It is enough to say
A direct alternative to “suffice it to say.”
It is enough to say that the situation was difficult.
Final Verdict
“Suffice it to say” is the traditional and more established expression, and it is the safest choice when you want standard, polished English.
“Suffice to say” is also used in contemporary English and is generally easy to understand, but it is a shortened version of the longer expression.
For students, formal writing, and careful English, remember:
Suffice it to say…
It means approximately:
It is enough to say…
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “suffice it to say” grammatically correct?
Yes. “Suffice it to say” is a well-established English expression meaning that the statement that follows is enough to communicate the important point.
Is “suffice to say” correct English?
Yes, “suffice to say” is used in modern English and its meaning is generally clear. However, “suffice it to say” is the more traditional and established form.
Should I use “suffice it to say” in formal writing?
Yes. “Suffice it to say” is appropriate in formal and polished writing, although it can sound somewhat formal. In academic writing, a simpler phrase such as “in summary” may sometimes be more direct.
What does “suffice it to say” mean?
It means “it is enough to say” or “it is sufficient to mention.” It introduces a concise statement when the writer does not want to explain every detail.
Is “suffice it to say” formal?
Yes. It is generally more formal or literary than everyday expressions such as “in short” or “simply put.”
What is the difference between “suffice it to say” and “suffice to say”?
Both expressions mean approximately the same thing. “Suffice it to say” is the traditional form, while “suffice to say” is a shortened form that is also found in contemporary usage.
Can I use “suffice it to say” in conversation?
Yes, but it may sound more formal than ordinary conversational English. In casual conversation, “in short” or “let’s just say” may sound more natural.
Remember This
Suffice = be enough.
Suffice it to say = it is enough to say.
For the safest standard form, write:
Suffice it to say, …
If you want a simpler alternative, use:
In short, …
Conclusion
The phrase “suffice it to say” is the traditional and established choice when you want to say that a brief statement is enough to communicate the main point. It is useful when you want to summarize a situation without giving every detail. The word suffice itself means “to be enough,” which makes the meaning of the expression easier to understand.
“Suffice to say” is also found in modern English and is generally understood, but “suffice it to say” remains the safer choice for students and formal writing. If the expression feels too formal for your audience, alternatives such as “in short,” “simply put,” or “in summary” can make your writing more natural and direct.
