in their words

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in their words" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to indicate that the following words or information are from someone else's perspective or spoken by them directly. Example: "In their words, the new policy is a step in the right direction for addressing climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were, in their words, merely  "assessments".

Independent

There was truth and beauty in their words.

The Guardian - Books

But an edge could be heard in their words.

The New York Times - Sports

In their words, they have to do it now.

The Guardian

"Now it's in their words and not just other people's".

The New York Times - Sports

The answers, properly complex and varied, are set out in their words below.

The Guardian

There is something different in their voice and in their words.

The New Yorker

They are wondering about a replacement which will possibly, in their words, "see us out".

Independent

In their words, it is an "initiative that's about the future, a step above the rest".

The Guardian

Or perhaps you can see in their words an invitation to do so.

The Washington Post

In their words, "the polls are in the safe custody of the European Central Bank".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in their words" to clearly indicate when you are directly quoting or paraphrasing someone, ensuring you're not misrepresenting their original meaning.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "in their words". Vary your sentence structure by sometimes integrating their statements more organically into your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in their words" functions as a discourse marker or introductory phrase. It prefaces a statement that is either a direct quotation or a close paraphrase of what someone else has said or written. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in their words" is a commonly used and grammatically sound introductory phrase that signals you are about to share someone else's perspective, either through a direct quote or paraphrase. Ludwig AI's analysis and numerous examples demonstrate its versatility across diverse contexts, especially in news and media. When using it, remember to ensure accuracy in representing the original speaker's intent and avoid overuse to maintain a varied writing style. Alternatives such as "according to them" or "as they put it" can add nuance while serving a similar purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in their own words

Emphasizes that the exact phrasing comes directly from the individuals in question.

according to them

This phrase provides a direct attribution to the source of the information.

as they put it

This is a more informal way of indicating that you are quoting someone.

to quote them

Signals that the following information is a direct quotation.

by their account

Indicates a retelling of events or information from their perspective.

as stated by them

A formal way of indicating the source of information.

from their perspective

Focuses on the viewpoint or understanding of the subject.

from their standpoint

Emphasizes their specific viewpoint or position on the matter.

if we take them at their word

Suggests a degree of reliance on the truthfulness of their statement.

in the speaker's own terms

Highlights the specific terminology used by the individuals.

FAQs

How can I use "in their words" in a sentence?

Use "in their words" to introduce a quote or paraphrase, like, "In their words, the project was a "complete success".

What can I say instead of "in their words"?

You can use alternatives like "according to them", "as they put it", or "in their own words", depending on the context.

When should I use "in their words" instead of just quoting?

Use "in their words" when you're not directly quoting but summarizing their sentiment. If you are quoting directly, using quotation marks alone is sufficient, but "in their words" provides extra emphasis.

What's the difference between "in their words" and "in my opinion"?

"In their words" indicates you are relaying someone else's perspective, while "in my opinion" introduces your own subjective viewpoint.