it is said

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is said" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to introduce a statement of opinion or belief, particularly if the opinion is widely accepted or shared by many people. For example: "It is said that birds of a feather flock together."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With its interaction with DISC1, it is said to significantly influence the risk for schizophrenia [ 53].

Behavioral and Brain Functions

— It is, said Erica.

The New Yorker

Or so it is said.

The Economist

BEGGARS, it is said, cannot be choosers.

The Economist

It is said he wanted the car.

The Economist

Both, it is said, had other lovers.

The New Yorker

It is said she speaks no French.

The Economist

With "dignity", so it is said.

The Economist

Women, it is said, admire his looks.

The Economist

"It is?" said Luc, surprised.

The New York Times

"It is," said Mr. Henderson.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is said" to introduce common knowledge or widely held beliefs without needing to cite a specific source. This can add a touch of universality to your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "it is said" as it can make your writing sound passive and less direct. Balance its use with more active and assertive constructions to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is said" functions as an introductory expression to present information that is generally accepted or attributed to an unspecified source. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness, serving to introduce a widely held belief or a common saying.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"It is said" is a versatile phrase used to introduce information that is widely believed or commonly known. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While it is suitable for various contexts, including science, news, and general conversation, it’s important to use it judiciously to avoid overly passive writing. Alternatives such as "it is believed" or "people say" can offer subtle variations in meaning. By understanding its function and limitations, you can effectively incorporate "it is said" into your writing to convey common knowledge or shared opinions without direct attribution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is believed

Changes "said" to "believed", focusing on the aspect of belief rather than direct communication.

it's been said

Emphasizes that the statement has been expressed before, often implying agreement or familiarity.

it is known

Suggests that the information is widely recognized and accepted as fact.

it is reported

Indicates that the information has been formally reported, often by a news source.

people say

Attributes the statement to general public opinion or hearsay.

they say

Similar to "people say", but slightly more informal.

it is rumored

Implies that the information is circulating as a rumor, often lacking concrete evidence.

the word is

Presents the information as a current topic of discussion or gossip.

supposedly

Similar to "allegedly", implying doubt or uncertainty about the veracity of the information.

allegedly

Indicates that the information is claimed but not yet proven.

FAQs

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

"It is said" is typically used to introduce a statement that is widely believed or commonly known. For example: "It is said that honesty is the best policy".

What can I say instead of "it is said"?

Alternatives to "it is said" include phrases like "it is believed", "it is rumored", or "people say", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it is said" formal or informal?

"It is said" falls into a neutral register and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, overuse in highly formal writing may make it seem less direct.

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

"It is said" implies a common belief or hearsay, while "it is proven" suggests that something has been verified with evidence or data.