never say that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "never say that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong disapproval or to advise someone against making a particular statement. Example: "In sensitive situations, it's best to avoid conflict; never say that in front of the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He could never say that.

The New Yorker

Goodness gracious, I would never say that.

The New York Times

But Roberts would never say that.

The Washington Post

Ha ha, he would never say that.

The New York Times

"I could never say that before".

The New York Times - Sports

The directors would never say that.

The New York Times - Sports

"You know me, so I never say that.

The New York Times - Sports

Of course I would never say that out loud.

The New York Times

I would never say that.

The New Yorker

You'd probably never say that.

Forbes

But the Met could never say that.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "never say that" to firmly discourage a specific statement, especially when it might be harmful, insensitive, or counterproductive.

Common error

While versatile, "never say that" can sound overly dramatic in casual conversation. Opt for softer alternatives like "maybe don't say that" or "I wouldn't say that" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "never say that" primarily functions as an imperative, specifically a prohibition. It directly advises or commands someone not to make a particular statement. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this function, reinforcing its established usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "never say that" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to strongly advise against making a particular statement. Ludwig confirms its correct usage and widespread presence across various sources, primarily news and media. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and choose softer alternatives in informal settings to avoid sounding overly harsh. The phrase serves as a clear prohibition, aiming to prevent harm or correct misunderstandings, and is generally considered to have a neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid saying that

Focuses on avoidance; suggests caution and discretion.

don't utter that

Emphasizes the act of speaking; more direct and forceful.

it's best not to say that

Offers advice; softens the prohibition with a suggestion.

refrain from saying that

More formal; indicates deliberate self-control.

I wouldn't say that

Expresses personal opinion; implies disagreement or disapproval.

it is not advisable to say that

Formal and cautionary; stresses the potential negative consequences.

that's not something to say

Focuses on inappropriateness; implies the statement is ill-advised.

that should not be said

Highlights the inappropriateness of the statement.

I'd rather not say that

Expresses reluctance; suggests discomfort or unwillingness.

let's not say that

Suggests a mutual agreement; avoids making the statement collectively.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "never say that" to sound less harsh?

Consider alternatives like "avoid saying that", "it's best not to say that", or "I wouldn't say that" to soften the tone.

What does "never say that" imply?

It typically implies a strong disapproval, a caution against making a statement that could be harmful or inappropriate, or a disagreement with a previously mentioned idea. The phrase can also be used to express disbelief or surprise.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "never say that"?

It's suitable when you want to strongly advise against making a statement that could be offensive, damaging, or untrue. It's also appropriate when you want to express strong disagreement or disbelief.

Is "never say that" grammatically correct?

Yes, "never say that" is grammatically correct. The adverb "never" correctly modifies the verb "say", and "that" serves as a pronoun referring to the statement being discussed.