is said of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is said of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a particular statement or description applies to a specific subject or entity. Example: "The term 'mammal' is said of animals that possess mammary glands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

What is said of Mary is derived from what is said of Jesus: this was the basic meaning of Theotokos.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"They've still got it," it is said of them, "still as sharp as ever".

The New York Times

Sometimes it is said of a composer that he had great talent but no genius.

The New York Times

The other thing that is said of them is that they came out of nowhere.

The New Yorker

Suddenly, their pictures are everywhere — or, at least, that is what is said of them.

The New Yorker

The same could be, and is, said of Sven's squad selection, Rooney's fitness and England's defending.

The Guardian - Sport

It is said of Mark Hanna, Roosevelt's troublesome political rival, "That smile could grease a wagon".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

That was what was said of him.

The New Yorker

The same cannot be said of Spain".

The New York Times

The same cannot be said of Shorten.

The Guardian - Opinion

The same could be said of Gerwig.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is said of", consider the source and context to ensure that the attribution is credible and relevant.

Common error

Avoid overusing "is said of" in formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound less direct and authoritative than stating the attribute directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is said of" functions as a verbal phrase used to attribute a characteristic, quality, or statement to a particular subject. It indicates that the attributed information is based on common knowledge, reputation, or hearsay. Ludwig AI validates its widespread use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is said of" is a commonly used verbal phrase to attribute characteristics or statements to a subject, often implying that the information is based on common knowledge or reputation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, and scientific sources, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in formal writing to maintain a direct and authoritative tone. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "is known for", "is described as", or "is considered to be" to subtly shift the nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is described as

Highlights a specific description that has been given.

is considered to be

Indicates a general opinion or assessment.

is known for

Focuses on a widespread reputation or characteristic.

is thought of as

Highlights a particular perception or view.

is characterized by

Stresses the defining traits or features.

is believed to be

Focuses on a conviction or faith in the attribution.

is reputed to be

Emphasizes the hearsay or unconfirmed nature of the attribution.

is spoken of as

Emphasizes verbal communication or stories about the subject.

is tagged as

Highlights a classification or label assigned to the subject.

is labeled as

Highlights a classification or label assigned to the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "is said of" in a sentence?

You can use "is said of" to attribute a characteristic or statement to a subject. For example, "It "is said of" him that he is a generous person."

What are some alternatives to "is said of"?

Alternatives include "is known for", "is described as", or "is considered to be", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "is said of" or a more direct statement?

It depends on the context. "Is said of" implies that the statement is based on common knowledge or reputation. A direct statement is more appropriate when you have specific evidence or authority.

What's the difference between "is said of" and "it is said that"?

"Is said of" directly attributes something to a subject, while "it is said that" introduces a general statement or belief. For instance, "Kindness "is said of" her" versus "It is said that she is kind".