as to say

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as to say" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to imply that something is a figurative way of expressing an idea (without saying it directly). For example, "We were frustrated with the lack of progress, as to say that our work was being ignored."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Still, I wouldn't go so far as to say praiseworthy.

The Economist

But not so much as to say that we've arrived.

The Economist

"People aren't so stupid as to say, 'Oh my gosh.

The New York Times

I'd go so far as to say extremely unlikely.

The Guardian

I would go so far as to say that".

The Guardian

Would you go as far as to say it's always better to use that method?

Yale University

All this is as much as to say that painting as painting meant nothing to me.

Harvard University

It's the same as to say "In Germany, people admire Hitler.

Stanford University

In fact, I go so far as to say that he was possessed by it.

Princeton University

I wouldn't go so far as to say tighter lips would have saved this ship.

Princeton University

I would even go so far as to say it's fucked up".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as to say" when you want to indicate that you are expressing something indirectly or figuratively, rather than stating it explicitly. This can soften a statement or invite interpretation.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "as to say" in formal writing where direct and precise language is preferred. Instead, opt for more direct phrasing to maintain clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as to say" functions as a connector or transitional phrase. It serves to introduce a rephrasing or clarification of a preceding statement, often implying that the subsequent expression is a figurative or indirect way of putting things. Ludwig confirms the appropriate usage with several examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

27%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as to say" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a figurative or indirect expression of an idea. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, primarily in news, academic, and scientific domains. While appropriate in many settings, it's best to avoid overuse in formal writing where directness is valued. Consider alternatives like "so to speak" or "in other words" for variety. Remember, using "as to say" effectively involves understanding its role in softening statements and inviting interpretation, enhancing the nuance of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

so to speak

Emphasizes a figurative or approximate way of putting something.

in a manner of speaking

Highlights that the statement should not be taken literally.

if you will

Invites the listener to accept a perhaps unusual expression.

as it were

Indicates the expression is not entirely accurate but serves to illustrate a point.

in other words

Clarifies a previous statement by rephrasing it.

that is to say

Provides a more precise or detailed explanation.

to put it another way

Offers a different perspective or phrasing of the same idea.

which is to imply

Suggests a subtle or indirect meaning.

by which I mean

Introduces a clarification or specification of a previous statement.

in a figure of speech

Signals a metaphorical or non-literal expression.

FAQs

How can I use "as to say" in a sentence?

Use "as to say" to introduce a figurative or indirect expression of an idea. For example, "The project faced numerous challenges, as to say it was a constant uphill battle".

What are some alternatives to "as to say"?

You can use alternatives like "so to speak", "in other words", or "that is to say" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "as to say" and "that is to say"?

"As to say" often introduces a more figurative or interpretative restatement, while "that is to say" /s/that+is+to+say provides a more direct and precise clarification.

When is it appropriate to use "as to say" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "as to say" when you want to express an idea in an indirect or illustrative manner, rather than stating it plainly. However, avoid it in situations requiring strict precision.