it says

USAGE SUMMARY

"it says" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it to introduce a quote or to reference something that has been previously said. For example, "The sign on the door reads, 'No pets allowed'. It says nothing about service animals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"HEAVEN," it says.

The New York Times - Magazine

It says "Robinson 1B".

The New York Times - Sports

It says nothing.

The New York Times

"It says you're independent.

The New York Times

It says: "Blessing frauds.

The New York Times

It says, "Best lashes!

The New York Times

Trust us," it says.

The New York Times

So it says.

The New York Times

"It says: listen up!

Independent

"It says so there".

The New York Times

(Or so it says).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it says" to introduce direct quotes or paraphrased information from a source. Ensure that the context clearly identifies what "it" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "it says" when the subject the word "it" refers to is ambiguous. Always ensure the antecedent of "it" is clearly defined in the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it says" functions as a reporting clause, introducing information or direct speech from a source. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in attributing information. It is commonly used to convey what a sign, label, document, or other form of communication expresses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it says" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression in English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions primarily to attribute information to a source, whether it's a written document, a sign, or any other medium of communication. While versatile across various contexts, it's most prevalent in news and media, followed by academic and scientific domains. For formal settings, alternatives like "it states" or "according to" may offer a more polished tone. Remembering to maintain clarity regarding the reference of "it" is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it reads

Focuses on the literal wording of a text or inscription.

the sign reads

Specifically used when referring to the text on a sign.

the text says

More explicit about the source being a written document.

it states

Similar in formality to "it indicates", but implies a more explicit declaration.

as the passage states

Suggests the phrase comes from a written passage.

the document notes

Implies that the information is formally recorded in a document.

it indicates

Formal alternative, suggesting a more objective representation of information.

the manual explains

Indicates that the phrase is from an instruction manual.

the label says

Specific to information found on a label.

according to the source

Highlights the origin of the information.

FAQs

How can I use "it says" in a sentence?

Use "it says" to introduce information or a quote from a specific source. For example, "The label on the bottle "it says" 'Refrigerate after opening'."

What are some alternatives to "it says"?

Alternatives include "it states", "it indicates", or "it reads", depending on the context and formality you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "it says" in formal writing?

While "it says" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "it states" or "according to" may be preferred in academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "it says" and "it is saying"?

"It says" typically refers to a static source of information, such as a sign or document, while "it is saying" implies an ongoing communication or interpretation. For example, "The sign "it says" 'No Entry'," versus "The author "it is saying" that..."