as one said

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as one said" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to reference a statement or idea attributed to an unspecified person, often to lend weight or authority to the point being made. Example: "The situation is complex, as one said, 'The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then he ran into the buzzsaw of parents who had spent, as one said in the movie, "Two Lamborghinis" on their players' development.

Forbes

And, as one said, she would only give him "two months" to prove himself.

The New York Times

And not just any woman, as one said: "This isn't just about biology.

The Guardian

Even his strategists admit that he will now need to "step it up," as one said.

The New York Times

They also had incentive, as one said, "to remove all traces of occupation".

The New York Times

Valentino's retrospective collection, as one said, left nothing but an old impression.

The New York Times - Style

State Department officials dispute the notion that Kosovo is "Albright's war," as one said it has been called.

The Washington Post

Bob is my muse". The cat, however, "isn't a deity – although he sometimes gets treated as one," said Bowen.

The Guardian - Books

State officials continue to support him publicly, but are preparing themselves, as one said last May, "for any eventuality".

The New York Times

Residents praise the re-enforced border, but as one said, "If there's a will, there's a way".

The New York Times

McCain operatives were pleased by the Biden selection, which they considered, as one said to me, "a pick from weakness".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Maintain a formal tone in academic writing, while allowing for casual expressions in informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "as one said" excessively in formal writing. Over-reliance on vague attributions can weaken your argument. Whenever possible, provide specific sources to enhance credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as one said" functions as an attributional phrase, introducing a quote or statement from an unspecified or anonymous source. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as one said" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to attribute statements to an unspecified individual. While Ludwig AI confirms its general acceptability, it's important to consider the context. Overusing the phrase can weaken formal arguments, and specifying the source is always preferable when possible. Remember to consider alternatives like "as someone mentioned" or "according to someone" to vary your writing. The phrase is more appropriate for neutral or informal settings than academic or scientific writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as someone stated

Replaces 'said' with 'stated', implying a more formal declaration.

as someone mentioned

Uses 'mentioned' instead of 'said', suggesting a less emphatic or formal utterance.

as a person put it

Emphasizes the manner of expression by using 'put it'.

in someone's words

Focuses on the specific phrasing used by the person.

according to someone

Indicates that the statement is based on information provided by an unspecified person.

as somebody remarked

Replaces 'said' with 'remarked', implying a casual or incidental comment.

one person noted

Uses 'noted' instead of 'said', suggesting the observation of a fact.

it was once expressed

Passive voice construction emphasizing the act of expressing the idea.

in the words of an individual

A more formal and distanced way of attributing the statement.

a source indicated

Implies the information comes from a specific but unnamed origin.

FAQs

How can I use "as one said" in a sentence?

Use "as one said" to introduce a quote or paraphrase from an unspecified person, like this: "The project requires dedication, as one said, "It's not a sprint, it's a marathon.""

What are some alternatives to "as one said"?

You can use phrases like "as someone mentioned", "as someone stated", or "according to someone" to vary your writing.

Is it appropriate to use "as one said" in academic writing?

While acceptable, "as one said" is generally more suited for informal contexts. In academic writing, aim for specific citations. If the source is truly unknown, consider rephrasing to avoid attribution altogether.

When should I avoid using "as one said"?

Avoid using "as one said" when you can identify the original speaker or source. Providing specific attribution enhances the credibility of your writing. Additionally, refrain from overuse to prevent vague or weak arguments.