it says not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it says not" is correct and can be used in written English, though it may sound somewhat archaic or formal.
You can use it in contexts where you want to emphasize that something is not stated or indicated, often in a literary or rhetorical manner. Example: "The document is clear; it says not that we are required to attend the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The first is that it says not a word about the destructive impacts of the industry.

The Guardian

After calling the program an "unprecedented" step that "ultimately will change the face of drug testing in this country," a consortium of industry groups that manages it says not a single lab has been accredited.

The New York Times

Fierce competition, it says, not monopolistic pricing, marks out Belgium's supermarkets.Belgians, like many other Europeans, appear genuinely attached to town centres filled with small shops, rather than the same old chains.

The Economist

"It says, 'Not to have knowledge of what happened before you were born is to be condemned to live forever as a child.' I like to think of this as the idea that guides the museum".

The New York Times - Arts

But that London difference is significant all the same – for what it says not only about the political landscape, where it poses a dilemma for both Tories and Labour, but about the changing face of these islands.

The Guardian - Opinion

The N.H.L. wants to reopen talks because, it says, not enough European players are ready to play in the league at the time of transfer, the N.H.L. spokesman Frank Brown said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

It is, she says, not about credit.

The Economist

Golisano has been in the business for more than 30 years, but the company figures it has plenty of room to grow it says not even 20% of small U.S. businesses outsource payroll.

Forbes

It will say !, Not Delievered.

WikiHow

Indeed, Etihad's most recent comments in the United States on the issue of their subsidies does not include any evidence in support of what it says -- not a single document.

Huffington Post

"It says do not drink this water".

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If clarity is paramount, consider using the more common phrasing "it does not say" or "it doesn't say".

Common error

While "it says not" is grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural. Modern readers are more accustomed to "it does not say". Reserve "it says not" for situations where you intentionally want to evoke a sense of formality or old-fashioned style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it says not" primarily functions as a statement indicating the absence of specific information within a text or source. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct, though potentially archaic.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it says not" is a grammatically sound, though somewhat formal or archaic, way of indicating that something is not explicitly stated. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. It's commonly found in news and media, but less so in casual conversation. For modern writing, alternatives like "it does not say" are generally preferred unless a formal or literary tone is desired. Be mindful of your audience and the context when deciding whether to use "it says not" or a more contemporary equivalent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it does not state

Replaces "says" with "state" and uses a more common negation structure. This alternative phrase is more direct and less archaic than the original.

the text does not say

Explicitly refers to the "text" and uses the more common negation "does not say". This alternative is more direct and less ambiguous.

it does not mention

Substitutes "says" with "mention", highlighting the lack of inclusion of specific information. This alternative phrase emphasizes the omission of something.

it fails to indicate

Uses "fails to indicate" instead of "says not", conveying a stronger sense of deficiency in providing information. This alternative highlights a failure to communicate something important.

it doesn't specify

Replaces "says" with "specify", focusing on the lack of detailed instructions or conditions. This alternative emphasizes the absence of specific requirements.

it omits to say

Emphasizes the act of leaving something unsaid, rather than a simple lack of information. This alternative implies a deliberate exclusion of information.

there is no mention of

Changes the structure to focus on the absence of mention. This alternative shifts the emphasis from the source to the content.

it is silent on

Uses a more metaphorical expression, indicating a lack of information on a particular topic. This alternative is more formal and emphasizes a complete absence of information.

it provides no information on

Focuses on the absence of information regarding a certain topic. This alternative phrase explicitly states the lack of details provided.

no indication is given

Shifts the focus to the lack of any sign or hint regarding a particular matter. This alternative emphasizes the complete absence of any clue or suggestion.

FAQs

What does "it says not" mean?

The phrase "it says not" is a slightly archaic way of saying "it does not say". It's used to indicate that a particular statement or instruction is not present in a given text or source.

When should I use "it says not"?

Use "it says not" when you want to create a formal or slightly old-fashioned tone. In most modern contexts, the phrases "it does not say" or "it doesn't say" are more common and widely accepted.

What are some alternatives to "it says not"?

You can use alternatives like "it does not mention", "it fails to indicate", or "it doesn't specify" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it says not" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it says not" is grammatically correct, although it is less common in contemporary English. Most people prefer the formulation "it does not say".