it has been said

USAGE SUMMARY

"It has been said" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce a statement that has become conventional wisdom: It has been said that the best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in the culture.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It has been said before.

The New York Times

Character is destiny, it has been said.

The New York Times

It has been said that Pres.

The New Yorker

Success, it has been said, has many fathers.

The New York Times

Consequently, it has been said that humans are basically female.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It has been said before, but it bears repeating.

The New York Times - Sports

Architects, it has been said, don't build; they draw.

The New Yorker

He wrote, it has been said, for artists yet unborn.

The New York Times - Arts

Reflection, it has been said, might impair our "moral clarity".

The New York Times

"It has been said that the inquiry is in crisis.

The Guardian

It has been said that "when alliances win, they die".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it has been said", consider whether the statement is genuinely accepted or merely a popular belief. Be prepared to offer evidence or context if the claim is contentious.

Common error

Avoid using "it has been said" excessively in your writing. Over-reliance can make your writing sound repetitive and lacking in original thought. Instead, vary your phrasing by incorporating direct quotes or citing specific sources.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has been said" functions as an introductory device, signaling that the subsequent statement is a generally held belief or a piece of common knowledge. Ludwig examples confirm its use across various domains to introduce widely accepted ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it has been said" is a versatile phrase used to introduce generally accepted ideas or common knowledge without attributing them to a specific source. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various writing contexts. While widely used, it is important to consider the appropriateness of the phrase in relation to the formality of the writing and to avoid overuse. Alternatives such as "it is widely believed" or "as the saying goes" can provide variation and nuance. Understanding these factors will help you use "it has been said" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is widely believed

Emphasizes the breadth of acceptance, focusing on popular opinion rather than a specific origin.

it is generally accepted

Highlights the widespread agreement on a particular idea or concept.

it is commonly known

Suggests the information is basic knowledge, familiar to most people.

the conventional wisdom holds that

Highlights that the statement is a widely accepted belief, potentially open to questioning.

as the saying goes

Introduces a proverb or well-known expression.

it is understood

Implies a tacit agreement or unspoken assumption.

they say

A more informal way to attribute a statement to general sources.

it is rumored

Suggests the information is based on hearsay and may not be reliable.

the word on the street is

Similar to "they say", but more colloquial and suggestive of current trends or opinions.

it is posited

Presents the information as a theory or hypothesis being proposed.

FAQs

How can I use "it has been said" in a sentence?

Use "it has been said" to introduce a statement that is widely believed or commonly accepted, often without a specific source. For example, "It has been said that honesty is the best policy".

What phrases are similar to "it has been said"?

Similar phrases include "it is widely believed", "it is commonly known", and "as the saying goes". These phrases also introduce generally accepted statements or common knowledge.

Is "it has been said" formal or informal?

"It has been said" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or highly professional writing.

When should I avoid using "it has been said"?

Avoid using "it has been said" when you can easily cite the original source of the statement. Providing a direct citation strengthens your argument and gives credit where it's due. If a particular source has authority, citing them will be much stronger than using the phrase.