be said with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be said with" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to convey the idea of expressing something in a particular manner or tone, but it is not a commonly used construction. Example: "The message should be said with sincerity to convey its true meaning."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This time, though, it will be said with real belief.

The New York Times - Sports

Sometimes, it has to be said, with good reason.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet this can't be said with precision or authority.

The New York Times - Magazine

Though not, it must be said, with brevity.

The New York Times

This can now be said with even greater confidence.

The Guardian - Opinion

It can be said with certainty that the Red Storm at least got it half right.

The New York Times - Sports

All that can be said with any certainty is that terrorists planted the bombs.

The Economist

A lot can be said with a little — the mundane and the extraordinary.

The New York Times

TWO things can be said with reasonable confidence about the confused events in Fiji.

The Economist

(It must also be said, with Begley, that his treatment was by modern American standards benevolent.

The New Yorker

That, if little else, can be said with certainty as a new season dawns.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Replace the phrase "be said with" with more grammatically correct alternatives such as "be expressed with" or "be conveyed with" to ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions with "be said with" as it can lead to ambiguity and weaken the impact of your writing. Instead, opt for active voice constructions for more direct and engaging communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be said with" functions as part of a passive construction, often attempting to describe the manner in which something is spoken. However, it's grammatically questionable. As Ludwig AI suggests, alternative phrasings are generally preferable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be said with" is commonly found across various contexts, but it is grammatically questionable and should be replaced by more precise alternatives. Ludwig AI suggests using phrases like "be expressed with" or "be conveyed with" for better clarity. While you might encounter "be said with" in news articles, scientific papers, or general writing, it is advisable to use more grammatically correct options to maintain professionalism and ensure your writing is clear and effective. Avoid passive constructions and opt for active voice whenever possible for greater impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be expressed with

Replaces "said" with "expressed", focusing on the manner of communication rather than the act of speaking. This is a more grammatically sound alternative.

be conveyed with

Substitutes "said" with "conveyed", emphasizing the transmission of a message or feeling. This alternative suggests a more deliberate communication.

be delivered with

Replaces "said" with "delivered", focusing on the act of presenting or giving a message. It suggests a more formal or structured communication.

be uttered with

Substitutes "said" with "uttered", emphasizing the physical act of speaking the words. It can imply a more forceful or deliberate expression.

be spoken with

Similar to "be said with" but slightly more formal. This option emphasizes the act of speaking the words in a particular manner.

be communicated with

Focuses on the overall act of communication, suggesting a broader exchange of information or feelings, rather than just the words themselves.

be presented with

Emphasizes the way information is presented, highlighting aspects like clarity, accuracy, or emotional tone, rather than just the act of speaking.

be shared with

Focuses on the action of sharing information or feelings with another party, rather than just the way words are spoken.

be imparted with

Suggests the transfer of knowledge or wisdom, rather than a simple verbal statement.

be phrased with

Focuses on the specific wording used, suggesting a conscious choice of language to create a certain effect.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to the phrase "be said with"?

Instead of "be said with", consider using phrases like "be expressed with", "be conveyed with", or "be delivered with" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use the phrase "be said with"?

No, the phrase "be said with" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use alternatives like "be expressed with" or "be conveyed with".

In what contexts might I encounter the phrase "be said with"?

While not grammatically correct, you might encounter "be said with" in informal speech or writing. However, for formal or professional communication, it's best to use more standard alternatives.

How can I ensure my writing is clear and grammatically sound when trying to express something said with a particular tone?

Focus on choosing precise verbs that capture the intended tone. For instance, instead of "it was be said with sarcasm", try "it was "expressed with sarcasm"" or "it was "conveyed with sarcasm"".