did it say

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did it say" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking about the content or message of something that was previously mentioned or referenced. Example: "I couldn't remember the details of the article. Did it say anything about the new policy changes?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

And what did it say about the Chinese and its national psyche?

The New York Times

What did it say?

The Guardian

What did it say to you?

The Guardian - Books

What the deuce did it say?

The New Yorker

For that matter, what, exactly, did it say?

The New York Times

Did it say aloud, "You want to be an actor"?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

"Did it?" says Turner.

The Guardian - Music

What does it say?

Yale University

So what does it say?

The New York Times

No, what does it say?

The New York Times

SPEER: Where does it say so?

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "did it say" to inquire about the specific content or wording of a document, statement, or other form of communication. It is particularly useful when you need to confirm or clarify information.

Common error

Avoid using "did it say" when you actually need to ask about the intention, implication or potential misunderstanding of something, which goes beyond the explicit information provided.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "did it say" is to form an interrogative clause. It is used to ask a question about the content of a previously mentioned text or statement. Ludwig shows many examples in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "did it say" is a grammatically sound and commonly used interrogative phrase used to inquire about the content of a statement or document. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media and Academia. When using this phrase, ensure that your intention is to clarify or confirm specific details rather than explore broader interpretations or implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What was its message?

Highlights the overall message or point being conveyed.

What was the statement?

Refers to the specific statement made, differing slightly in formality.

What information did it provide?

Focuses on the information aspect, differing from the direct query of what was stated.

What did it communicate?

Broadens the scope to any form of communication, not just verbal.

What details were mentioned?

Emphasizes specific details contained within the original statement.

What was the content?

Focuses on the overall content rather than the specific wording.

How was it worded?

Shifts the focus to the specific wording and phrasing used.

What points did it make?

Highlights the specific points or arguments that were presented.

How did it express that?

Shifts focus to the manner in which something was expressed.

Can you summarize its contents?

Asks for a summary of the material, moving away from the exact wording.

FAQs

How can I use "did it say" in a sentence?

You can use "did it say" to inquire about the content of a specific document or statement. For example: "I couldn't find the regulation about the deadline. "Did it say" anything about an extension?"

What's the difference between "did it say" and "did it mean"?

"Did it say" refers to the explicit content or wording, while "did it mean" refers to the implied intention or interpretation. For instance, ""Did it say" that we should submit the report today?" focuses on the instructions. "What did it mean by that ambiguous statement?" focuses on the intended message.

What can I say instead of "did it say"?

You can use alternatives like "did it mention", "what was stated", or "how was it worded" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "did it says" grammatically correct?

No, "did it says" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "did it say". The auxiliary verb 'did' already indicates the past tense, so the main verb 'say' should remain in its base form.