225(48) a. and all I say is , let every one say the same (1782 Burney, Cecilia
[CLMET3.0])
b. all I say is , I have kept the only purpose I have had the strength to form
(1844 Dickens, Dombey and son [CLMET3.0])
c. All I say is , you don’t know your own lanes and woods and fi elds. (1857
Hughes, Tom Brown ’s schooldays [CLMET3.0])
d. But,” he would add, “ all I say is , we’re not home again, and I don’t like the
cruise” (1881 Stevenson, Treasure Island [CEN])
Source constructions for what I’m saying (is) : The full biclausal structure
what I’m saying is that S appears as early as the late nineteenth century (49).
Again, that’s what I’m saying is dated from the early twentieth century (50).
The reversed cleft , is what I’m saying , does not appear until the mid twentieth
century (51). The present- tense form, what I say is , appeared in the late seven-
teenth century (see 39), but unequivocal examples of comment clauses are rare,
even in the twentieth century, though I have found a few early examples (52).
(49) a. What I ’ m sayin ’ is that I’m goin’ to that Fair tomorrow. (1869 Prentiss,
Stepping heavenward [COHA])
b. “But what I am saying now is that it is cruel, unusual, inhuman and uncon-
stitutional to be so selfi sh about it.” (1910 Hough, The purchase price [CEN])
c. b u t what I ’ m saying is that it’s a college activity and ought to be supported.
(1913 Harpers [COHA])
(50) a. “ That is what I am saying ,” explained Robina. “It means loving him even
when he’s naughty.” (1909 Jerome, They and I [CEN])
b. That ’ s what I ’ m saying. Your old man had it, and you blew it, (1951
O’Hara, The farmer’s hotel [COHA])
(51) a. Give people what they need is what I ’ m saying , (1954 Walcott, The charla-
tan [COHA])
b. I ached for it, is what I ’ m saying. (1992 Johnson, Eighty acres [COHA])
(52) a. What I say is , let every body follow their nature (1782 Burney, Cecilia
[CLMET3.0])^37
b. What I say is , if you’re going to have a quilt, why have it, and let it be of
some use. (1870 Austin, The shadow of Moloch mountain [COHA])
c. What I say is , let’s fi x him up comfortable , (1921 Bassett, Steve and the
steam engine [COHA])
7.3.5.3 Summary of the History of All/ What I’m Saying (Is). All
I’m saying is begins as a biclausal all - pseudo- cleft in the nineteenth century
with the ‘damage limitation’ or ‘below expectation’ sense noted for all- clefts
37 In the following example, what I say seems have an indefi nite reading ‘whatever I say’:
What I say, madam, you never do mind. (1800 Lewis, The East Indian [CLMET3.0]).
7.3 (I’m) Just Saying and Related Comment Clauses