it will say

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it will say" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to what something will express or communicate in the future, often in the context of a statement or message. Example: "When you open the document, it will say that the meeting has been rescheduled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nobody knows yet what it will say.

Independent

Except it will say "geek".

The New York Times - Style

"Maybe it will say he's from Catalonia.

The New York Times

"It will say everything about us".

The Guardian - Sport

"Her luck ran out!" it will say.

The Guardian

Then it will say 'nope, sorry.

The New York Times

What it will say is still under wraps.

The Economist

Well, it will say that, we can be sure.

The Guardian - Opinion

Look at your Wi-Fi, it will say MI5".

The Guardian - Sport

"It will say clearly that Iraq is in material breach.

The New York Times

On one side it will say, "What a sister".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it will say" to predict the content of a message, label, or sign. It's effective when you want to highlight the exact wording or information that will be presented to someone in the future.

Common error

Avoid using "it will say" when you mean "it will tell". "It will say" refers to the exact words something contains, while "it will tell" implies conveying information or a story, which could be done in various ways.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it will say" functions as a future indicative construction. It predicts the content or message that something (like a sign, label, or document) will express or communicate at a later time. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

37%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it will say" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to indicate what something will express or communicate in the future. According to Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, from predicting the content of written text to anticipating spoken words. While it generally maintains a neutral register, it is crucial to distinguish its meaning from similar phrases like "it will tell". Remember to use "it will say" when referring to the exact words, message or expression. With this comprehensive guide, you're now equipped to use "it will say" with confidence and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it will state

Replaces "say" with a more formal synonym "state", implying a more official or definitive declaration.

it will indicate

Substitutes "say" with "indicate", suggesting a less direct form of communication, often through signs or evidence.

it will express

Uses "express" instead of "say", highlighting the conveying of a thought or feeling.

it will read

Employs "read" in place of "say", specifically when referring to written text.

it will declare

Replaces "say" with "declare", implying a formal and often public announcement.

it will mention

Uses "mention" instead of "say", suggesting a brief or casual reference.

it will reveal

Substitutes "say" with "reveal", implying the uncovering of something previously unknown.

it will communicate

Uses "communicate" instead of "say", highlighting the act of conveying information.

the message will be

Restructures the sentence to emphasize the content of the message rather than the act of saying.

the outcome will be

Focuses on the result or consequence, implying that the 'saying' is a prediction of what will happen.

FAQs

How can I use "it will say" in a sentence?

Use "it will say" to indicate what a sign, document, or other medium will express in the future. For example, "The label on the box "it will say" 'fragile'".

What's a more formal way to say "it will say"?

For a more formal tone, you could use alternatives like "it will state", "it will indicate", or "it will express" depending on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Can "it will say" refer to spoken words?

While "it will say" primarily refers to written text or labels, it can sometimes be used for anticipated spoken words, especially when quoting or predicting a specific statement. However, alternatives like "it will tell" or "it will mention" might be more appropriate in purely spoken contexts.

Is "it will say" the same as "it says"?

No, "it will say" refers to a future statement, while "it says" refers to a present or existing statement. For instance, "The sign "it will say" 'closed for maintenance' tomorrow" (future) versus "The sign "it says" 'closed for maintenance' today" (present).