By saying that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "By saying that" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to introduce a statement or explanation that follows. Example: "By saying that we should prioritize education, she emphasized its importance." Alternative expressions include "By stating that" and "In saying that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

By saying that, he just had to be tempting fate.

The Guardian

He ends by saying that Proust called.

The New Yorker

Did I offend you by saying that?

The Guardian - Film

He clarified by saying, "That is a target date.

The New York Times

Do I sound enough like a trader by saying that?

The Guardian - Opinion

We denote this property by saying that is of class, being (1.1), for large.

Advances in Difference Equations

This, then, is what I mean by saying that intercultural dialogue is central to multiculturalism, even foundational to it.

Comparative Migration Studies

She summarized her working method by saying: "That was my Cambridge training.

CBE Life Sciences Education

By saying that its own independent research supported Hansen's findings?

The New Yorker

I'm not slighting Pete by saying that".

Independent

Writer ends by saying that if the Pres.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the subject of your sentence is the person or entity actually doing the speaking to avoid dangling modifiers.

Common error

Writers sometimes mistakenly add an extra "that" (e.g., "By saying that that he was tired"). Always check the flow of your subordinate clause to ensure the conjunction is not doubled unless the second "that" is a demonstrative pronoun (e.g., "By saying that, that issue was resolved").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "By saying that" acts as a prepositional gerund phrase that introduces a subordinate content clause. It functions as an adverbial of manner or means, explaining how a particular result was achieved or how a specific clarification was made. Ludwig AI highlights its utility in connecting an action to its communicative effect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "By saying that" is a highly effective and grammatically standard phrase used to link speech with its broader meaning or impact. According to Ludwig, it is equally at home in investigative journalism, scientific research and casual reporting. It serves as a vital bridge in English prose, helping to define the specific content of a statement while simultaneously explaining its purpose within the narrative. Whether you are clarifying a complex theory or reporting a political response, this phrase provides a clear and professional way to frame dialogue and its consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

By stating that

Adopt a more formal tone typical of reports or academic writing.

In saying that

Often used to introduce a qualification or a slightly different perspective on the previous point.

By asserting that

Suggests a stronger, more confident delivery of the message.

By arguing that

Implies the speaker is providing a logical reason or building a case.

By suggesting that

Indicates a more indirect or tentative implication rather than a direct statement.

By noting that

Useful for pointing out a specific detail or observation within a larger discourse.

By claiming that

Implies the statement might be subject to debate or lacks immediate proof.

By implying that

Focuses on the unspoken meaning or logical consequence of the words used.

Through the assertion that

A more complex prepositional structure used in formal analysis.

While remarking that

Suggests the statement was made as part of a larger observation or side note.

FAQs

How do I use "By saying that" in a sentence?

You can use "By saying that" to introduce a clause that explains the result of a statement. For example: "She clarified her position "by saying that" the project would be delayed".

What can I say instead of "By saying that"?

Depending on your context, you can use alternatives like "by stating that", "by arguing that" or "in saying that".

Is it correct to start a sentence with "By saying that"?

Yes, it is perfectly correct. Starting a sentence with this phrase often helps link the preceding dialogue to a new observation, such as: "By saying that, he inadvertently revealed his true intentions".

What is the difference between "By saying that" and "In saying that"?

While similar, ""by saying that"" usually focuses on the method or means of achieving a result, whereas ""in saying that"" is often used to introduce a contrasting point or a subtle nuance to the speaker's own previous words.