"I might add..." Why is this phrase used? (quote, similar)

[crisan]

I often seen written or said the phrase, "I might add."

For example

The vegan said, "I don't eat meat." and he said it rudely, I might add. But this narrator did add it, so why say you might add it?

[Mightyqueen801]

I guess to let the reader know it was a secondary thought not to be of equal factual importance to the original statement but that he wanted you to know his opinion of the statement?

I don't know. I am just making this up as I go.

[Rocky Raab]

If it is a written phrase, you had to have seen it, so why did you so ungrammatically say "I often seen...?"

[Yzette]

Originally Posted by Mightyqueen801

I guess to let the reader know it was a secondary thought not to be of equal factual importance to the original statement but that he wanted you to know his opinion of the statement.

That's right. It's for color.

[jtur88]

It is used when you know you are digressing somewhat off topic, but you would like your remarks to be recognized nevertheless for their value in illuminating the topic. I might add that there are quite a few other phrases used in English that have a similar function.

It falls in the category of "cop out phrases"---A statement that might engender criticism, so you defuse the opposition by saying that you already recognize the criticism that might follow.

[crisan]

Originally Posted by Mightyqueen801

I guess to let the reader know it was a secondary thought not to be of equal factual importance to the original statement but that he wanted you to know his opinion of the statement?

I don't know. I am just making this up as I go.

Originally Posted by Avienne

That's right. It's for color.

Originally Posted by jtur88

It is used when you know you are digressing somewhat off topic, but you would like your remarks to be recognized nevertheless for their value in illuminating the topic. I might add that there are quite a few other phrases used in English that have a similar function.

It falls in the category of "cop out phrases"---A statement that might engender criticism, so you defuse the opposition by saying that you already recognize the criticism that might follow.

Thank you. These were good responses. I catch myself using it and I didn't know why.

[crisan]

Originally Posted by Rocky Raab

If it is a written phrase, you had to have seen it, so why did you so ungrammatically say "I often seen...?"

Yeah, I saw that a little too late. What I type does not always match what is in my head. IDK.

What I should have typed was, "I have often seen written or have heard the phrase..."

[tyvin]

I use it to emphasize additional information. I might add it to a conversation that I'm having when I suddenly remember an additional point I want to make (secondary thought). It usually occurs in a polite interrupting sense when I can't get a word in edgewise.
I've been saying it for years "I might add" or "may I add."
You can also say it in a sarcastic way to drive people crazy.
And the way a person says it determines the emotion of the argument,

Come to think of it; I don't recall putting the phrase in a written piece of work. But on computer forums I have seen it.

-Another point I would like to add.
-By the way
-If I may
-come to think about it
What is the shortened version of "I might add" in the email/texting world.

[crisan]

Originally Posted by tyvin

I use it to emphasize additional information. I might add it to a conversation that I'm having when I suddenly remember an additional point I want to make (secondary thought). It usually occurs in a polite interrupting sense when I can't get a word in edgewise.
I've been saying it for years "I might add" or "may I add."
You can also say it in a sarcastic way to drive people crazy.
And the way a person says it determines the emotion of the argument,

Come to think of it; I don't recall putting the phrase in a written piece of work. But on computer forums I have seen it.

-Another point I would like to add.
-By the way
-If I may
-come to think about it
What is the shortened version of "I might add" in the email/texting world.

LOL!

I was using it on an other message board and I wondered about it. I like your explanation as well.

[pekemom]

It beefs up the statement, you know. At the end of the day, it is what it is.
Doesn't bother me to see people add fillers.