British customers often open a complaint with an apology. The words are mild, but the complaint is serious.
Sorry to be a pain, but: There is a problem, and I expect it to be fixed.
I don’t want to make a fuss, but: I am making a complaint.
It’s probably just me, but: This is wrong.
I’m not entirely happy with: I am unhappy with.
Would it be at all possible to: Please do this.
When you get a chance: Soon.
British customers often praise good service in small words.
Can’t fault it: Excellent.
No complaints: Very satisfied.
Pretty decent: Very good.
Not too shabby: Impressive.
I’d go back: I liked it very much.
In 2018, Mary Berry, a former judge on The Great British Bake Off, told the Express about one contestant’s bake: “It really was awful but we didn’t say it was nasty because he would get so upset.”
She added that she “was trying to encourage people,” and that her fellow judge Paul Hollywood “was a bit harsh.”
Nottingham University Hospitals, an NHS trust in England, has a Patient Advice and Liaison Service, known as PALS. It describes itself as “a confidential advice, support and information service.” It promises to “understand your concerns and seek to resolve them to your satisfaction.”
A formal complaint comes later, for patients who “remain dissatisfied after you have raised your concerns.”
British English has a set of polite phrases that carry criticism. The listener is expected to hear what is meant.
I hear what you say: I do not agree, and I do not want to discuss it further.
That’s an interesting idea: That is a bad idea.
Quite good: Disappointing.
Not quite what we were hoping for: This has failed.
Perhaps we could look at this again?: This must be redone.