is said to

USAGE SUMMARY

"is said to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are reporting what someone else has said. For example: "The new restaurant is said to have amazing desserts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is said to have….

The New Yorker

Borges is said to have invented it.

The Economist

China, too, is said to be interested.

The Economist

He is said to favour a woman.

The Economist

(He is said to have resigned recently).

The New Yorker

He is said to be brilliant.

Independent

The fee is said to be $100m.

The Economist

He is said to be deeply religious.

Independent

The Queen is said to be delighted.

Independent

He is said to be very sick.

The Economist

Insider trading is said to be rampant.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is said to" to convey information attributed to an unspecified source, implying that the information may not be definitively confirmed. This is useful when you want to share information without fully endorsing it.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions like "is said to", as it can make your writing seem vague or evasive. When possible, identify the source of the information to add credibility and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is said to" functions as a reporting verb construction, used to introduce information or claims attributed to an unspecified source. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for written English and indicates the information may not be definitively proven. Examples in Ludwig show its wide use across news, science, and general reporting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is said to" is a versatile reporting phrase used to convey information attributed to an unspecified source. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for written English. Its function is to report information without endorsing it as fact, making it useful in journalism, academic writing, and general communication where uncertainty or hearsay is involved. While common, it's essential to avoid overusing passive voice and to provide more specific sources when possible. Alternatives such as "it is reported that" or "sources indicate that" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. It's a phrase frequently found in authoritative sources like The Economist and the BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is reported that

Focuses more on the act of reporting, highlighting the source of information rather than a general perception.

sources indicate that

Specifically points to the existence of sources, giving a slightly more formal tone.

reports suggest that

Focuses on the suggestion of a pattern rather than concrete proof.

it is believed that

Emphasizes the aspect of belief or opinion rather than a confirmed fact.

it is understood that

Indicates a generally accepted fact or consensus.

it is rumored that

Suggests the information may not be reliable or confirmed, carrying a sense of gossip.

it's claimed that

Highlights the act of claiming, often implying skepticism or a lack of evidence.

it is alleged that

Implies that a claim has been made, but not proven, often in a legal or formal context.

people say that

A more informal way to express general opinion or hearsay.

the word is that

Informal way to introduce gossip or unconfirmed news.

FAQs

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

"Is said to" is used to report information without confirming its truth. For example, "The new restaurant "is said to" have amazing desserts." This indicates that you've heard the restaurant has good desserts, but you haven't verified it yourself.

What are some alternatives to "is said to"?

Alternatives to "is said to" include phrases like "it is reported that", "it is believed that", or "sources indicate that" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is said to" instead of stating a fact directly?

Use "is said to" when you are relaying information that you cannot personally vouch for, or when the source of the information is not explicitly stated. This allows you to share information without taking full responsibility for its accuracy.

What's the difference between "is said to" and "is known to"?

"Is said to" implies reported or rumored information, while "is known to" suggests established knowledge or a widely accepted fact. For example, "Vitamin C "is said to" boost immunity" is less definitive than "Vitamin C "is known to" be an antioxidant."