as someone put it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as someone put it" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to attribute a statement or idea to an unspecified person, often to emphasize a point or provide a quote. Example: "The situation is more complex than it seems, as someone put it, 'Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The netbook — also known as a mini-notebook, a mobile Internet device or, as someone put it, a "laptot" — is only in its infancy this holiday season; just about a year old.

The New York Times - Tech

"I don't care as long as someone put it in.

The New York Times - Sports

The slide also featured an Osmond brother, "the boring one", as someone put it.

Independent

A "Manhattan project for the 21st century", as someone put it.

The Guardian - Opinion

As someone put it on Yahoo.com, welfare mothers should try harder to find a husband worth a quarter of a billion dollars.

The New York Times

"As someone put it," Mr. Trenin said, "the Yeltsin-Gorbachev syndrofe of unilateral concessions may now be prolonged into the Putin presidency".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

As someone puts it directly to Stephen: "So why you?

The New York Times - Books

As someone puts it: "I don't need a pic nor want to know if you're skinny, normal, 'curvy,' whatever".

The New York Times - Magazine

He has come west full of idealistic schemes meant to benefit the Indians, only, as someone puts it, to "preside over their destruction".

The New York Times - Books

Perhaps the price of a novel of ideas is characters whose conversation is "marred slightly by a tendency to lecture," as someone puts it in another of Just's own books.

The New York Times - Books

As I heard someone put it at a recent lecture I attended, that would be like an orthopedist telling someone with a broken arm to lift weights.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When incorporating "as someone put it", ensure the attributed statement adds value to your writing, either by providing a concise summary or offering a memorable expression.

Common error

Avoid using "as someone put it" too frequently in your writing; it can become repetitive. Vary your phrasing by using more specific attributions or alternative expressions to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as someone put it" functions as an introductory device to attribute a statement or idea to an unspecified individual. Ludwig indicates its role in introducing quotations or paraphrases from an anonymous source.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as someone put it" is a phrase used to introduce a quote or paraphrase from an unspecified source. As indicated by Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it serves to add emphasis or a sense of shared understanding without naming the individual. While frequently found in News & Media contexts, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid redundancy and ensure source clarity when needed. Alternatives like ""someone once said"" or ""in someone's words"" can provide variety. Remember that while the phrase is useful for general attributions, specific and credible sources should always be named where appropriate. The phrase "as someone put it" is commonly used in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as someone stated

Similar to the original, but replaces "put it" with the more formal "stated".

someone once said

Implies a past statement from an unspecified person.

as it was expressed

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of expressing an idea.

according to someone

A more direct attribution of information.

as one person said

This alternative specifies a single individual as the source.

in someone's words

This focuses on the specific wording used by someone.

to quote someone

This phrase highlights the act of quoting.

a certain person remarked

More formal and emphasizes that an unnamed person made this remark.

if I may quote

More tentative and polite way to introduce a quote.

as they say

This alternative implies a commonly known or traditional saying.

FAQs

How can I use "as someone put it" in a sentence?

Use "as someone put it" to introduce a quote or paraphrase from an unspecified person. For example: "The situation is delicate, as someone put it, 'We're walking on eggshells'.

What are some alternatives to "as someone put it"?

You can use alternatives like "as they say", "someone once said", or "in someone's words" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "as someone put it" or name the specific person?

It depends on your purpose. Use "as someone put it" when the source is unimportant or unknown. If the source is relevant or adds credibility, name the specific person.

When is it inappropriate to use "as someone put it"?

Avoid using "as someone put it" if the statement is controversial or requires a credible source. In such cases, providing a specific attribution is more responsible.