it said that

USAGE SUMMARY

"it said that" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you are attributing a claim or statement to someone or something. For example: "I heard a loud crash; it said that the window had been broken."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It said that suffering would cease.

The New Yorker

It said that, as a non-U.S.

The New Yorker

It said that was the maximum fine allowed.

The New York Times

It said that Netflix's claims could damage its business.

BBC

It said that the I.A.A.F.

The New York Times - Sports

It said that all would be well.

The New Yorker

It said that passports "may be" required.

The New York Times

"It said that 'We all feel disenfranchised.

The New York Times - Sports

"It said that, too".

The New Yorker

I wish, it said that in the agreement.

Yale University

It said that they are here.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When appropriate, replace "it said that" with a more specific source like "the report indicated that" for clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "it said that" in your writing. Overuse can lead to a passive voice and weaken your message. Vary your sentence structure with direct reporting verbs and active constructions for a stronger impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it said that" functions as a reporting clause, introducing reported speech or indirect discourse. It attributes a statement or piece of information to a specific source. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it said that" serves as a versatile reporting clause, used to introduce information attributed to a source, and is considered grammatically correct and widely applicable across various writing styles. Based on Ludwig AI explanation and Ludwig's extensive example base, it is particularly prevalent in news and academic contexts, as demonstrated by the frequency of its occurrence in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While generally acceptable in formal writing, writers should avoid overuse to prevent passive voice and maintain a dynamic writing style. To enhance clarity and precision, consider alternative phrases such as "it stated that" or specifying the source. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and appropriately incorporate "it said that" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it stated that

More formal alternative, emphasizing a clear and official declaration.

it mentioned that

Suggests a less emphatic or detailed communication.

it noted that

Implies the information was recorded or observed.

the report indicated that

Specifically refers to a written document's findings.

the source revealed that

Highlights the act of uncovering or disclosing information.

the article claimed that

Suggests a potentially debatable assertion.

it was reported that

Passive voice, emphasizing the information's dissemination.

sources confirmed that

Highlights the verification of information from multiple origins.

authorities announced that

Highlights an official public declaration.

the document specified that

Implies that the information comes from formal and official sources.

FAQs

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

"It said that" is used to report information from a source without directly stating it as fact. For example, "The article "it said that" the company's profits had increased."

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

You can use alternatives like "it stated that", "it mentioned that", or "the report indicated that" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it said that" in formal writing?

Yes, "it said that" is generally acceptable in formal writing. However, for more precise and impactful language, consider using stronger reporting verbs or specifying the source more directly.

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

"It said that" is a neutral way of reporting information. "It claimed that" suggests the information may be disputed or unverified.