give a statement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "give a statement" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used in legal or formal contexts, when someone is asked to provide a written or verbal account of an event or situation. Example: The police asked the witness to give a statement about what they saw at the scene of the crime.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The embassy should give a statement and clear it up".

The New York Times

Member required to give a statement "in love feast".

Cornell University

One officer, Caesar Goodson, did not give a statement.

The Guardian

Bolton was due to give a statement later on Monday.

The Guardian

Mr. Berkley added that Ms. Hartley was forced to give a statement about what happened.

The New York Times

Did he give a statement?" When told, Thomas shook his head and chuckled.

The New York Times - Sports

She agreed to give a statement and eventually gave evidence at the trial.

Independent

"We wanted to give a statement to the market so that people know we exist".

The New York Times

Greig will still give a statement to the UK coroner's inquest into Saldanha's death.

The Guardian

"Some of the residents waited for the police to give a statement.

The Guardian

Cameron will give a statement to MPs on Wednesday after prime minister's questions.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In journalistic writing, use "give a statement" to indicate that a person has provided information to the press or authorities, often after an event or incident.

Common error

Avoid using "give a statement" when a more specific verb like "testify" or "report" would provide greater clarity and precision about the type of information being conveyed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give a statement" functions as a verb phrase where "give" is the main verb and "a statement" is the direct object. It indicates the act of providing information or an account, typically in a formal or official context, as Ludwig examples confirm.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "give a statement" is grammatically sound and frequently used, according to Ludwig AI. It serves to describe the act of providing information, particularly in formal or official situations. Common contexts include news reporting, legal proceedings, and general communication, highlighting its broad applicability. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "provide testimony" or "issue a declaration" for more specific scenarios. Remember to ensure clarity and precision in your statement to avoid ambiguity. With its wide acceptance and versatility, "give a statement" remains a reliable phrase in both professional and everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide testimony

Refers specifically to giving evidence in a legal setting.

issue a declaration

Suggests a more formal and official announcement.

offer an explanation

Focuses on clarifying or justifying something.

submit a report

Implies a more detailed and structured account.

present information

Emphasizes the act of conveying facts or details.

make an announcement

Highlights the public or official nature of the communication.

deliver remarks

Often used in the context of speeches or formal addresses.

voice an opinion

Expresses a personal viewpoint or belief.

share observations

Focuses on relating what someone has noticed or experienced.

recite an account

Emphasizes the act of narrating an event or story.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "give a statement"?

You can use alternatives like "provide testimony", "issue a declaration", or "offer an explanation" depending on the context.

How is "give a statement" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "give a statement" typically refers to providing a formal account of events to law enforcement or in court. This can be a written or verbal account.

Is it correct to say "gives a statement" instead of "give a statement"?

"Gives a statement" is correct when referring to a singular subject in the third person (e.g., "He gives a statement"). "Give a statement" is used in the infinitive form or with plural subjects (e.g., "They give a statement").

What's the difference between "give a statement" and "make a statement"?

While similar, "give a statement" often implies providing information in response to a request, such as to the police or press. "Make a statement" can also mean issuing an official announcement or expressing an opinion publicly.