student asking question

In what situation can I use "but the thing is"?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

"The thing is" is used to introduce an explanation or to give an excuse for something. It can also be used simply to emphasize a point. Ex: A: Let's go to the pool! B: Yeah but the thing is, I don't know how to swim. Ex: We can drive downtown but the thing is, most of the shops are closed now.

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