casually saying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "casually saying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone speaking in a relaxed or informal manner, often without much thought or seriousness. Example: "He was casually saying that he might not come to the party, but I think he really wants to go."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"Nou tout ap mache ak sèkèy nou anba bra nou," my mother had been casually saying for years.

The New Yorker

"We are all constantly cheating death" is how I usually translated the Creole phrase that my mother had been casually saying for years.

The New Yorker

I've since used this sentence as a litmus test and have been surprised by those who've reacted casually, saying, "Yes, interesting," and then changing the subject!

MIT Technology Review

"You get people quite casually saying things like, 'Struggle is the law of life.'" The backdrop to war was complex, the contributory factors many.

The Guardian - Books

When Madison returns to New York this week from Orlando, she is looking forward to casually saying, "Oh, wait — this is my Square Garden".

The New Yorker

By Edwidge Danticat July 10 , 2017"We are all constantly cheating death" is how I usually translated the Creole phrase that my mother had been casually saying for years.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"He treats life too casually," said Allardyce.

The Guardian - Sport

Pryce loves soccer and tennis, and casually said he might enter politics one day.

The New York Times - Sports

When Karl made his diagnosis public Feb. 16, he casually said he hoped to coach again that season.

The New York Times - Sports

always messing around," Ulises casually said of Bahena Rivera one night, and Laura just listened, looking down as she cooked.

The Washington Post

At that moment Salma, who was putting a jug of water on the table, turned around and casually said: "Why?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ this phrase to create a contrast between the tone of the statement and its potential impact. This is particularly effective when the casual remark carries significant weight or consequence.

Common error

Avoid using "casually saying" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "stated", "mentioned", or "noted" to maintain a consistent tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "casually saying" functions as a discourse marker, characterizing the manner of speaking. It modifies the verb 'saying' to indicate that the statement was made in an informal, relaxed, or perhaps even unintentional way. As Ludwig AI shows, this often occurs in narrative contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "casually saying" is a common phrase used to describe the manner in which someone makes a statement, indicating informality or a lack of seriousness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, consider using alternatives like "mentioning in passing" or "nonchalantly stating" for greater precision. Avoid overusing it in formal writing. As Ludwig shows, the phrase adds a nuanced dimension to narrative and descriptive writing by highlighting the speaker's tone and attitude.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commenting casually

A more direct synonym, simply replacing "saying" with "commenting".

mentioning in passing

Emphasizes the brief and incidental nature of the remark.

offhandedly remarking

Highlights the lack of concern or seriousness in the statement.

observing in passing

Similar to "mentioning in passing" but with a focus on observation.

nonchalantly stating

Focuses on the speaker's relaxed and unconcerned demeanor.

airily declaring

Suggests a light and somewhat dismissive tone.

remarking idly

Highlights the lack of purpose or intent behind the comment.

throwing out a comment

Suggests a spontaneous and perhaps unplanned remark.

just saying

Implies a simple statement without deeper meaning.

blurting out

Conveys speaking suddenly without thinking.

FAQs

How can I use "casually saying" in a sentence?

You can use "casually saying" to describe someone making a remark in an informal or relaxed manner. For example: "He was "casually saying" that he might not come to the party."

What are some alternatives to "casually saying"?

Alternatives include "mentioning in passing", "offhandedly remarking", or "nonchalantly stating", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "casually saying"?

It's appropriate in informal contexts, such as narratives, dialogues, or casual conversations. Avoid it in formal or academic writing where a more precise and professional tone is required.

Is there a difference between "casually saying" and "simply saying"?

Yes, "casually saying" implies a relaxed or informal manner, while "simply saying" just indicates a straightforward statement without any additional connotation about the speaker's demeanor.