If you say that something goes without saying, it means that it is obvious (so obvious that you don’t really need to say it). This phrase can be used to emphasise something.
You can use this phrase to introduce something obvious(e.g. it goes without saying that if I lend you this money then I expect to be repaid in full) or to comment on/respond to something obvious(e.g. You’ll need to bring a sleeping bag with you on the trip. That goes without saying).
Have a go at these micro-dictation exercises to hear this expression being used in context – how much can you understand?
Accent: England (RP)
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saying should clean suit .
Accent: Northern England
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, . .
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caught cheating , then you'll . .
About the sentence
…if you get caught…
We use the verb get instead of be to form passive structures when we are speaking more informally, especially when talking about situations which are negative, undesirable or unexpected. e.g. My bike got stolen while I was in the supermarket.
Accent: North America
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, .
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Obviously , but we employees for work .
About the sentence
…to turn up for work on time…
The phrasal verb to turn up means to arrive or appear, especially when this is unexpected or a surprise. e.g. I would have preferred you to call and let me know you were coming, rather than just turning up unannounced.
Extra practice
If you visit the UK, then it goes without saying that you should be prepared for all sorts of weather, even during the summer. Bring an umbrella! Think of some advice about travelling in your country. If something is important or obvious, then introduce it with it goes without saying.
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This exercise:3 dictations
Accents:North America, Northern England, Received Pronunciation
Well, although I’ve never been to London, I guess there’s no much difference between the beautiful city of London and Bogota. It goes without saying that in Bogota doesn’t snow at all while in London does. That’s the only big difference between them, I think. Although I learned that you’ve been to Bogota, I’ll give you some advice anyway. 1. You should always bring along an umbrella in a very good condition and, of course, that goes without saying that you’d better get used to looking after it because it brights one minute and rains the next. 2. Most of… Read more »
Hi Marisela! Great examples as always – here are my suggestions/corrections: – Remember to use ‘it’ when talking about the weather: “in Bogota it doesn’t snow while in London it does”. – In your first and second example, you need to say “it goes without saying” (not “that goes without saying”) because you are introducing something which is obvious. We use “that goes without saying” when we are making a comment about something already said (like saying, “that’s obvious”). – “it brights” doesn’t exist 🙂 I suggest “it is sunny”. – careful with ‘rare’ – it’s a false friend. I… Read more »
Although Brazil is a huge country with different climates, it goes without saying that you need to bring light clothes in your bags (sunglasses and sunscreen too, especially if you intend to go to the beaches). Temperatures are high in most part of the country, but you can play it safe and bring a couple of coats.
It goes without saying that Brazil is a diverse country in culture and people, so don’t forget to try all kinds of tipycal Brazillian food, such as pão de queijo, brigadeiro, feijoada, acarajé, sobá and so on.
Excellent examples, and I love the fact that you are using language from previous exercises too – a very good way to fix them in your memory!
One small correction: careful with the spelling of ‘typical’.
Lena
6 years ago
It goes without saying that if you visit Ukraine you should have a lot of free time to get know our amazing people, traditions and tasty cuisine.What about weather? As far as l know, it will be warm and sunny! 🙂
Well, although I’ve never been to London, I guess there’s no much difference between the beautiful city of London and Bogota. It goes without saying that in Bogota doesn’t snow at all while in London does. That’s the only big difference between them, I think. Although I learned that you’ve been to Bogota, I’ll give you some advice anyway. 1. You should always bring along an umbrella in a very good condition and, of course, that goes without saying that you’d better get used to looking after it because it brights one minute and rains the next. 2. Most of… Read more »
Hi Marisela! Great examples as always – here are my suggestions/corrections: – Remember to use ‘it’ when talking about the weather: “in Bogota it doesn’t snow while in London it does”. – In your first and second example, you need to say “it goes without saying” (not “that goes without saying”) because you are introducing something which is obvious. We use “that goes without saying” when we are making a comment about something already said (like saying, “that’s obvious”). – “it brights” doesn’t exist 🙂 I suggest “it is sunny”. – careful with ‘rare’ – it’s a false friend. I… Read more »
Hi,Chris!
It goes without saying that you’re an excellent teacher, aren’t you?
Haha, thank you Henry! 🙂
Although Brazil is a huge country with different climates, it goes without saying that you need to bring light clothes in your bags (sunglasses and sunscreen too, especially if you intend to go to the beaches). Temperatures are high in most part of the country, but you can play it safe and bring a couple of coats.
It goes without saying that Brazil is a diverse country in culture and people, so don’t forget to try all kinds of tipycal Brazillian food, such as pão de queijo, brigadeiro, feijoada, acarajé, sobá and so on.
Hi Aline,
Excellent examples, and I love the fact that you are using language from previous exercises too – a very good way to fix them in your memory!
One small correction: careful with the spelling of ‘typical’.
It goes without saying that if you visit Ukraine you should have a lot of free time to get know our amazing people, traditions and tasty cuisine.What about weather? As far as l know, it will be warm and sunny! 🙂
Hi Lena! Thanks for your example – I would love to visit your country one day!
One small correction: it should be: “…get to know…”. Otherwise, perfect. Well done!