as you put it

USAGE SUMMARY

"as you put it" is correct and usable in written English.
Typically, this phrase is used when you are quoting someone else or paraphrasing their words. For example, you could say, "My colleague argued that we should increase the budget, as he put it." Here, you are quoting your colleague but not directly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is, as you put it, "a lovely place" for its schools, libraries and parks.

The New York Times

Messing them up, as you put it.

The Guardian - Books

I'll start with the "organising theory", as you put it.

The Guardian

As long as you put it on a standing order.

The Guardian

One thing Tucsonans don't suffer from is a "second-city syndrome," as you put it.

The New York Times

I suppose that explains part of my 'fixation,' as you put it".

The New York Times - Books

Maybe that lorgnette gives everything "a sort of visionary appearance," as you put it.

The New York Times

Doing, as you put it, "so much" was not a difficulty for me.

The Guardian - Books

And then there it was, an opportunity, as you put it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Finally, I came up with the "festival", as you put it.

The Guardian - Books

But yes, I will support it with "fully burdened emotions," as you put it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When quoting, consider if "as you put it" is the best way to attribute the quote, or if a more formal citation might be necessary to give better credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "as you put it" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less engaging. Consider using synonyms or rephrasing to vary your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as you put it" functions as a discourse marker. It serves to attribute a particular phrasing or idea to the person being addressed. Ludwig AI examples illustrate it introduces a quote, paraphrase, or summary of the other person's words.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as you put it" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to refer back to something someone has said, according to Ludwig AI analysis. It functions as a discourse marker, attributing phrasing or ideas to the listener, and is typically used in neutral contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it's versatile, remember not to overuse it to keep your writing fresh and engaging. Consider alternatives like "in your words" or "to quote you" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as you phrased it

Similar to the original, but with a stronger emphasis on the way the statement was expressed.

in your words

Replaces "as you put it" with a more direct reference to the speaker's vocabulary.

as you described it

Focuses on the descriptive aspect of the statement, rather than the specific wording.

in your phrasing

Similar to "in your words", but focuses specifically on the structure and style of the statement.

in your own terms

Similar to "in your words", but can also suggest that you are simplifying or clarifying a complex idea.

to quote you

More explicitly indicates that you are directly quoting the other person.

to use your terminology

Highlights that you are adopting the specific terms used by the speaker.

according to you

A more neutral and straightforward way to attribute a statement to someone.

if I may borrow your expression

A more polite or deferential way to indicate that you are using someone else's words.

in your estimation

Implies you are referring to their assessment or opinion, not necessarily their exact words.

FAQs

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

You can use "as you put it" to refer back to something someone else has said, like this: "The project is a 'challenging opportunity', as you put it."

What's a synonym for "as you put it"?

Alternatives include "in your words", "to quote you", or "in your phrasing". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of formality desired.

Is it correct to say "as you had put it"?

While grammatically correct, "as you had put it" is less common than "as you put it". The past perfect tense emphasizes that the original statement was made at an earlier point in time, which might be relevant in some contexts but is often unnecessary.

When should I use "as you put it" instead of a direct quote?

Use "as you put it" when you are paraphrasing or summarizing someone's statement rather than quoting it verbatim. If you are using their exact words, a direct quote with proper attribution is more appropriate.