it says so

USAGE SUMMARY

'it says so' is a perfectly correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is most often used as a rhetorical question to indicate that something has already been established by another person or source. For example, you could say: "I'm told I need to wear a suit to the job interview - it says so in the job description."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"It says so there".

The New York Times

It says so here.

The Guardian

"Yeah, it says so".

The New York Times

It says so in the history books.

The New Yorker

It says so on the label.

The New York Times - Food

It says so in her obituary".

The Economist

Their proof: It says so online.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

It says so much in its few hours.

The Guardian - Tech

It says so right on the about page.

TechCrunch

It says so when you chat.

WikiHow

It says so much about the advancement of freedom.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it says so" when you want to directly refer to a source of information to support your statement, adding a sense of authority.

Common error

Avoid using "it says so" as the sole basis for an argument without providing further context or explanation. Always ensure the audience understands where the information comes from and its relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it says so" functions as a statement of justification, where the speaker is referring to an external source as evidence or proof. It is often used to end a discussion point or provide a concise validation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Academia

10%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it says so" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that information is derived from a specific source. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase serves to provide justification by directly referencing an external authority. While versatile, "it says so" is often Neutral in tone, with numerous examples in news and media. When writing, it’s best practice to provide sufficient context, but be aware of possible alternatives like "the document states" or "according to the text" for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the document states

This alternative specifies that the source is a written document, which adds clarity in certain contexts.

according to the text

This phrase directly attributes the information to a written text, emphasizing the source's authority.

the source indicates

This alternative uses more formal language by employing "indicates" rather than "says".

it is noted in

This alternative is suitable for when referring to something in notes or reports.

it is written that

This version uses a passive construction to emphasize the written nature of the information's origin.

the record shows

This indicates that information is verifiable through a documented record.

as mentioned in

This phrase references a prior mention of the information, suggesting a history or context.

the report details

This phrase is specific to formal reporting, emphasizing comprehensive information from that source.

the label reads

This phrase implies that the information is found on a label, often used for product descriptions or instructions.

the manual specifies

This version pinpoints the source as an instruction manual giving instructions.

FAQs

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

You can use "it says so" to directly reference a source of information. For example, "I know it's gluten-free because "it says so" on the packaging".

What are some alternatives to "it says so"?

Alternatives include "the document states", "according to the text", or "the source indicates", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "it says so" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "it says so" when you want to emphasize that the information is directly stated in a specific source, providing a clear reference to its origin.

Is "it says so" considered formal or informal language?

"It says so" is generally considered informal language. For more formal writing, consider using alternatives like "the report details" or "it is noted in".