having their say

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having their say" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is given the opportunity to express their opinion or viewpoint on a matter. Example: "During the meeting, everyone was encouraged to have their say about the new policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Libyans appear to enjoy having their say.

The Economist

They're just having their say!

The Guardian - Opinion

Having their say Indonesian villagers experiment with democracy.

MIT Technology Review

Government critics were having their say freely on television.

The New York Times

It is about grassroots members having their say.

The Guardian

Even Fifa are now having their say on the club's problems.

Independent

Whenever religious scholars are having their say, they're asserting this position.

The New York Times

We also support the idea of EU nationals living in the UK having their say.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was a case of poets having their say, poetry putting its own house in order.

The Guardian - Books

Within minutes of Trump's speech Friday, others were already having their say.

The Washington Post

She said she supported Australians having their say on "such a fundamental issue" through a plebiscite.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "having their say" when you want to emphasize the opportunity or right to express an opinion, especially in democratic or participatory contexts.

Common error

While "having their say" is widely understood, it can sound informal in academic or highly professional contexts. Opt for more formal alternatives like "expressing their views" or "providing their input" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having their say" functions as an idiomatic expression, indicating the act of expressing one's opinion or viewpoint on a particular matter. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely used in English, often suggesting participation in a democratic process or discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "having their say" is a common and correct idiomatic expression used to describe the act of expressing opinions or viewpoints, particularly in participatory or democratic contexts. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is widely used in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, it's essential to consider the context and opt for more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing. The phrase emphasizes the opportunity and right to voice opinions, making it a powerful tool for describing participatory environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expressing their views

Focuses on the act of expressing, emphasizing the viewpoint itself.

voicing their opinions

Highlights the act of speaking out, often in a formal or public setting.

making their voices heard

Emphasizes the impact and reception of the opinion being expressed.

sharing their perspectives

Focuses on the unique viewpoint each person brings to the discussion.

contributing their thoughts

Highlights the act of adding to a discussion or decision-making process.

giving their input

Focuses on providing specific feedback or suggestions.

weighing in on the matter

Implies a careful consideration of the issue before expressing an opinion.

participating in the discussion

Emphasizes the involvement in a broader conversation.

offering their two cents

An informal expression for giving an opinion, often unsolicited.

making a statement

Suggests a formal or public declaration of opinion.

FAQs

How can I use "having their say" in a sentence?

You can use "having their say" to indicate that someone is expressing their opinion or participating in a decision-making process. For example: "The committee members are "having their say" on the proposed changes."

What are some alternatives to "having their say"?

Alternatives include "expressing their views", "voicing their opinions", or "making their voices heard". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "having their say" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "having their say" leans toward informal. In formal contexts, consider more precise alternatives such as "presenting their arguments" or "contributing their perspectives".

What's the difference between "having their say" and "expressing their opinion"?

"Having their say" often implies a specific opportunity or platform for expression, whereas "expressing their opinion" is a more general term for sharing one's viewpoint.