it says whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it says whether" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a statement or text that indicates a condition or choice between options. Example: "The report is clear; it says whether we should proceed with the project or not."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It says whether you need to look for a new job".

Independent

You find yourself grinning, not at what it says — whether you agree with it or not, the content is old news — but at the way it says it.

The New York Times

What you are reading, it says, whether on paper, laptop, tablet or phone, is a contribution to something which stands for something.

The Guardian

It says whether errors are damped out.

Advances in Difference Equations

It answers the research question, it says whether the research aim was achieved, or it states whether the hypothesis was supported by evidence.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"We were unable to conclude," it said, "whether the 2001 transition was worse than previous ones".

The New York Times

Nor would it say whether it plans to also offer its Smart Page with social features on its desktop browser at some point.

TechCrunch

Nor did it say whether Semenya would continue to be allowed to compete against women.

The New York Times - Sports

The association will not release that 1997 study, nor will it say whether it has been updated.

The New York Times

The strength of these advanced forces is not stated nor is it said whether they are entirely Finnish.

The Guardian

It was too soon to tell, it said, whether the IRA's commanding "army council" had given the order.These events make many anxious.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the sentence following "it says whether" logically completes the conditional statement. A well-structured sentence enhances clarity and readability.

Common error

Avoid using "it says whether" when the antecedent of "it" is ambiguous. Always make sure the reader can easily identify what "it" refers to in the sentence. For instance, instead of writing something like: "The document mentions several factors, and it says whether the project will succeed". A better way to formulate the sentence is "The document specifies the likelihood of success for the project."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it says whether" functions as an introductory clause to a conditional statement. It indicates that a particular source or document provides information regarding a specific condition or choice, determining the outcome or state of something. Ludwig provides several examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it says whether" is a grammatically correct and neutrally registered expression used to introduce conditional statements, indicating that a source provides information related to a specific condition or choice. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While not exceedingly common, it finds application across various contexts, particularly in news and scientific domains. To enhance clarity, ensure that the referent of "it" is unambiguous and that the conditional statement is logically structured.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it indicates if

Replaces "says whether" with "indicates if", providing a slightly more formal tone while maintaining the same conditional meaning.

it specifies if

Substitutes "says whether" with "specifies if", suggesting a more precise and detailed determination.

it determines if

Changes "says whether" to "determines if", emphasizing the act of reaching a conclusion or decision.

it clarifies if

Replaces "says whether" with "clarifies if", focusing on the act of making something clearer or easier to understand.

it confirms if

Substitutes "says whether" with "confirms if", highlighting the verification or validation aspect.

it reveals if

Changes "says whether" to "reveals if", suggesting the uncovering of previously unknown information.

it discloses if

Replaces "says whether" with "discloses if", implying the act of making information public.

it communicates if

Substitutes "says whether" with "communicates if", focusing on the transmission of information.

it shows if

Changes "says whether" to "shows if", emphasizing the demonstration or evidence of something.

it expresses if

Replaces "says whether" with "expresses if", focusing on the conveyance of a thought or feeling regarding a condition.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it says whether" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it indicates if", "it specifies if", or "it determines if". These alternatives provide a more precise and authoritative feel.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using "it says whether"?

A common mistake is using "it says whether" without a clear reference for what "it" refers to. Ensure the subject is clearly defined in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity. For instance, avoid "The report mentions many things, and it says whether..." Instead, specify: "The report clarifies whether..."

Is there a difference in meaning between "it says whether" and "it indicates whether"?

While both phrases convey a conditional statement, "it indicates whether" often suggests a more subtle or indirect conveyance of information, whereas "it says whether" implies a more direct and explicit statement.

What alternatives can I use for "it says whether" in informal writing?

In informal writing, you could use simpler alternatives like "it tells you if", "it shows if", or "it lets you know if". These options are more conversational and less formal than "it says whether".