I don’t want to sound ……. but

I don’t want to sound + (adjective)……. but

Use this expression when you are telling something that might upset someone.

Example:
Kishore: Hi Ravi, how was my presentation in the meeting yesterday?
Ravi: mmmmm. It’s ok…. I don’t want to sound rude, but I think you shouldn’t have used so many slides. The presentation was very lengthy.

Some more examples:
” I don’t want to sound selfish, but I don’t share my class notes with anybody.”
” I don’t want to sound greedy, but I would like to have 15% hike in my salary.”
” I don’t want to sound aggressive, but I want you to complete the project by the end of this month at any cost.”