I sometimes say

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I sometimes say" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you occasionally make a particular statement or remark. Example: "I sometimes say that honesty is the best policy, especially in difficult situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

I sometimes say, "Good.

The New Yorker

Yeah, I sometimes say things that make people cringe".

The New Yorker

I sometimes say to people, "Don't be like me.

The Guardian

"I sometimes say I'm from Brazil," she said.

The New York Times

I sometimes say I want us to be a $6.5 billion start-up.

The New York Times

She said: "After half an hour, I sometimes say, 'What is it saying?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

I sometimes said, "I didn't mean to," in a flippant voice, or denied things that it was obvious I had done.

The New Yorker

"I sometimes said, 'Enough with the penises.' " "Mrs. Clinton is quite small on top but rather large in the hips".

The New York Times - Books

I despised the words I sometimes said to my students, I'm sorry I wasn't here again yesterday.

Huffington Post

(participant B) I sometimes said to my daughter, 'concentrate on bad news about sex'.

BMJ Open

After the Sierra campaign, Watson told the Washington Post, "People sometimes say I have a suicide complex.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your introductory phrases to avoid repetition. Consider alternatives like "I often remark" or "I've been known to say".

Common error

Avoid starting multiple sentences or paragraphs with "I sometimes say". Mix it up by using other introductory phrases, rephrasing the sentence, or simply stating the idea directly without attribution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I sometimes say" primarily functions as a discourse marker, introducing a personal comment, opinion, or frequently used expression. It sets the stage for what follows as something the speaker utters on occasion, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I sometimes say" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a personal opinion or observation, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is grammatically sound and commonly employed in various contexts, especially in News & Media. While it's a useful way to express thoughts non-assertively, diversifying your vocabulary with alternatives like "I often remark" or "I've been known to say" can enhance your writing. Avoid overusing the phrase to maintain a varied and engaging style. Remember, this introductory phrase signals that you are sharing a thought you occasionally express, not necessarily a deeply held belief.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I occasionally state

Emphasizes the act of formally declaring something, less frequent than "I sometimes say".

On occasion I express

Highlights the act of conveying a thought or feeling, emphasizing the expressive aspect.

I often remark

Highlights the act of commenting or noticing something, implying a more observational tone.

I am inclined to say

Implies a tendency or predisposition to say something, suggesting a leaning towards a particular view.

I will sometimes mention

Uses "will" to indicate a future possibility of mentioning something, adding a layer of uncertainty.

I might add

Indicates that the speaker is adding an additional thought or comment, often as an afterthought.

I've been known to say

Suggests that the speaker has a reputation for saying something, adding a habitual aspect.

I've been heard saying

Focuses on the fact that others have heard the speaker say something, implying a repeated statement.

I am wont to say

A more formal and archaic way of saying "I am accustomed to say".

It's something I've said before

Emphasizes that the speaker has made the statement previously, adding a sense of familiarity or repetition.

FAQs

How can I use "I sometimes say" in a sentence?

Use "I sometimes say" to introduce a personal opinion, observation, or common phrase that you occasionally express. For example, "I sometimes say, 'Honesty is the best policy,' even when it's difficult."

What can I say instead of "I sometimes say"?

You can use alternatives like "I often remark", "I occasionally mention", or "I've been known to say" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "I sometimes say"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English sentence structure and is commonly used in both spoken and written language.

What is the difference between "I sometimes say" and "I always say"?

"I sometimes say" indicates that you express a particular thought or opinion occasionally, while "I always say" implies that you consistently express that same thought or opinion.