Polite/professional alternative to 'It turns out'?

Question

I have been tasked with coming up with a nicer phrase to use than 'It turns out'. It is to be used in situations like this one: > - 'It turns out' that we cannot... - 'It turns out' that we don't... I know those two examples are followed by negative words, but is there a nicer phrase that can be used? Perhaps even one that may soften the message? **Edit:** It is to be used in a spoken context (customer service). Thanks for the suggestions so far.

Answer 1

"We have concluded that , , , "

"Unfortunately, we are unable to . . . "

"As a result of OR Because of ______________, we cannot __________"

"We are not permitted to . . ."

"Our business practices do not allow us to . . . "

Answer 2

Depending on the situation and context, these phrases might work:

1. Studies have shown that ...
2. Given the experience and feedback of hundreds of users/ customers/ clients, ...
3. After thorough consideration, ....
4. According to ...

Answer 3

I would suggest something along these lines, "It appears that..." (your credit card has been declined) or...

"We have reviewed/investigated, etc. and the result is that..."

"After reviewing your account, we have determined that..."

"Although you were told that you would receive a refund, we have determined that the dress was worn and we will not be able to give you a refund."

Answer 4

This is a good question, and one that speaks to customer service so I love it!

I’m assuming you’re using the phrase in instances like, “It turns out that your order isn’t in the warehouse due to an internal error.” Or, “It turns out, we no longer offer the special BBQ burger.”

In these cases, it sounds like you’re the bearer of bad news without taking responsibility because it’s just the way it has “turned out,” rather than accepting your role in the bad news. 

To be a little more customer friendly and to soften the blow, as you say, you could try:

“I’m sorry to say that...

“I’m afraid we (mishandled/miscommunicated...) this and can offer you this...”

“Apparently, we no longer...”

“I’ve learned that we ...”

Also, words are only half the equation. Consider your non-verbal communication too, including eye contact, smile, volume in terms of speaking softer or slower, which all convey a warmer, more approachable stance.

I am a writing coach and work with clients on written and spoken signage and memos if that helps. 

Feel free to view my profile and let me know if you have any other questions. 

Hope that helps. 

Good luck!

Jennifer K.  

Answer 5

Good question.

I would recommend using one or more of the following alternative, more positive-sounding lead-ins: "It appears that", "As a matter of fact", "The way it stands is", "Given what/that", "In a nutshell", "Overall", "On the whole", "Basically".

Essentially, each one of these phrases serve as "synonyms" for one another. But hopefully, they will provide more comfortable alternatives for you to use than "It turns out".

I hope this helps!