later said

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "later said" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that was stated or expressed at a subsequent time after an initial statement or event. Example: "The spokesperson later said that the company would be implementing new policies to improve customer service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Aides later said he misspoke.

The New York Times

Cain later said he was joking.

The New Yorker

He later said he regretted the comment.

The New York Times

"I was terribly depressed," he later said.

The New Yorker

Saban later said, laughing, "Danny stumbled!

The New Yorker

"We held our breath," Shinseki later said.

The New Yorker

"I wanted a life," he later said.

The New York Times

"Shirts, shorts, socks," Agoos later said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Words can't describe," he later said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was justice," she later said.

The New York Times

"Marilyn was an enigma," he later said.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "later said" to clearly indicate that a statement was made after a specific event or initial remark, ensuring chronological clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "later said" without establishing a clear reference point. Ensure the reader knows what event or statement the "later" is referring to, or it will result in confusing your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "later said" primarily functions as a reporting verb phrase, indicating that someone made a statement at a subsequent time. This usage is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis, showing numerous examples in varied contexts, from news reports to personal anecdotes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "later said" functions as a reporting verb phrase used to indicate that a statement was made subsequent to a specific event or initial remark. As demonstrated by Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct and enjoys widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or scientific writing. It is important to ensure clear chronological context when using the phrase. In a few words, "later said" it's a useful phrase to give a clear timeline to your statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Subsequently stated

Emphasizes the sequential nature of the statement more formally.

Afterward mentioned

Highlights the temporal aspect of the statement following a previous event.

Remarked afterward

Simply denotes a comment made at a later time.

Retrospectively commented

Indicates a comment made with the benefit of hindsight.

Stated in retrospect

Indicates a statement made looking back on a past event.

Clarified afterward

Focuses on the act of making something clearer at a later time.

Then expressed

Highlights the sequence of expressing something after a prior action or statement.

Added later on

Implies a supplementary remark made after an initial statement.

Later revealed

Suggests the unveiling of information at a subsequent time.

Offered subsequently

Presents the statement as something given or provided at a later point.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "later said"?

You can use alternatives like "subsequently stated", "afterward mentioned", or "retrospectively commented" depending on the context.

How do I use "later said" in a sentence?

Use "later said" to indicate that someone made a statement at a time after a previous event or initial comment. For example: "The CEO announced the company's losses; she "later said" that layoffs were imminent."

Is "later said" formal or informal?

The phrase "later said" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "subsequently stated" might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "later said" and "then said"?

"Later said" indicates a statement made at an unspecified time after a previous event, while "then said" implies a more immediate sequence. "Then said" suggests the statement followed directly after the previous action.