claims to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'claims to be' is grammatically correct and is often used in written English.
You can use it when someone is making a claim or statement that may or may not be true. For example, "The suspect claims to be innocent of the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He claims to be unworried.

The Economist

He now claims to be broke.

The Economist

Slyusarchuk, 39, claims to be a genius.

The New York Times

He now claims to be cured.

The Economist

For now, Hitachi claims to be unconcerned.

The Economist

He claims to be a moderniser.

The Economist

He claims to be a wiser man.

The Economist

He claims to be market-friendly.

The Economist

He claims to be.

The Guardian - Opinion

Neither book claims to be comprehensive.

The Guardian - Books

Santander claims to be leading the charge.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting claims, always cite your source to maintain transparency and accountability. This strengthens the credibility of your writing.

Common error

Avoid solely relying on the phrase "claims to be" without providing supporting evidence or alternative perspectives. Balance reported claims with verifiable facts or contrasting viewpoints for comprehensive and unbiased writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "claims to be" functions as a reporting verb construction, used to introduce a statement of fact or belief that is presented as possibly true but not necessarily verified. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a common phrase used to present information neutrally.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "claims to be" is a versatile and commonly used expression for reporting assertions without endorsing their truth. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and formal business settings. When using "claims to be", it's essential to maintain neutrality and balance reported claims with verifiable facts, avoiding overuse without context. Alternatives like "alleges to be" or "purports to be" can add nuance. By following best practices, writers can effectively and responsibly incorporate "claims to be" into their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alleges to be

This alternative suggests a more formal and potentially disputed assertion.

asserts to be

Implies a confident and forceful declaration, often used in formal settings.

professes to be

Suggests an open declaration of belief or identity, potentially with a hint of doubt.

purports to be

Indicates that something is presented as being a certain way, often with an implication of skepticism or potential deception.

maintains to be

Highlights the persistence of the claim, even in the face of potential contradiction.

represents as

Focuses on how something is presented or portrayed, rather than a direct claim of identity.

is said to be

Indicates a claim made by others, rather than a direct self-declaration.

is known as

Suggests a generally accepted or recognized identity, potentially contrasting with a disputed claim.

pretends to be

Indicates an act of deception or imitation, with the intention of misleading others.

alleges that

Replaces the infinitive with a "that" clause, focusing on the content of the claim rather than the identity.

FAQs

How can I use "claims to be" in a sentence?

Use "claims to be" to introduce a statement that someone asserts as true, but may require verification. For example: "The company "claims to be" environmentally friendly, but their practices are under investigation."

What are some alternatives to "claims to be"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "alleges to be", "asserts to be", or "purports to be" to convey similar meanings with different nuances.

Is it better to say "claims to be" or "is"?

Use "claims to be" when you are reporting someone's assertion without confirming its truth. Use "is" when you are stating a confirmed fact. The choice depends on whether the information is verified or not.

What's the difference between "claims to be" and "is rumored to be"?

"Claims to be" indicates a direct assertion from a specific source, whereas "is rumored to be" suggests that the information is based on hearsay and lacks a clear source. "Is rumored to be" often carries less credibility.