phrase: what if I say no?

[Sweetpumpkin]

Hello,

I'd like to know how a 'what if' phrase sounds is: its nuance.

What if I say no?

My book says it's an expression by someone worried. The speaker worries about the consequences if s/he says no in a certain situation. It's the shortened expression of 'What will happen if I say no?'- that's what my book says.

But I think it can be used for a kind of combat situation. The speaker confronts someone and argues with him/her. It's like, "What will you do if I say no?".

What do you think?

Thanks,
sweetpumpkin

[Mister Micawber]

I agree, but note that 'what will you do' is just an instance of 'what will happen'. It can be worried, combative, hopeful-- almost any emotion, depending on what the speaker feels 'what' might be.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's