openly saying

USAGE SUMMARY

"openly saying" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It works best when introducing a direct quote or statement. For example, "Openly saying, 'I don't care what anyone thinks,' she marched boldly across the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

"But now we're openly saying it".

The New York Times

"These guys are openly saying that they 'teach journalists' the right way to cover trials".

The New York Times

By the mid-1980s people in Moscow were openly saying that "the Bolshevik experiment has failed".

Independent

Just as nasty as someone openly saying "you're disgusting because you're fat".

The Guardian - Opinion

"GPs have been openly saying they don't get enough training on [mental health].

The Guardian

"They are openly saying that Cuba is not alone and there is solidarity that can bring a new dimension.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

They openly say they are doing so.

Independent

He writes: "George Bush openly said that he preferred conservative jurists.

The New York Times - Books

"People will not openly say they are against that".

The New York Times

Green has openly said that she relishes a tough job.

The Guardian

Many Republican and Democratic senators have openly said that cuts of that magnitude are unacceptable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "openly saying" with strong verbs like 'admitted', 'declared', or 'confessed' to enhance the impact and specificity of the statement.

Common error

While appropriate in many situations, avoid overusing "openly saying" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "explicitly stated" or "publicly declared" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

Openly saying functions primarily as a present participial phrase, often used to introduce a direct quote or a paraphrased statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it adds emphasis to the candid nature of the statement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "openly saying" is a versatile phrase used to introduce candid or unreserved statements. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is perfectly acceptable, working well when introducing a direct quote. While common in News & Media, it should be used judiciously in highly formal writing, where alternatives like "explicitly stated" or "publicly declared" might be more appropriate. Remember that choosing stronger verbs and being mindful of context will enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explicitly stating

Focuses on the clarity and unambiguity of the statement.

publicly declaring

Emphasizes the public nature of the announcement.

avowing openly

Highlights a strong and confident affirmation.

frankly admitting

Stresses honesty and a willingness to acknowledge something, possibly negative.

bluntly asserting

Conveys a direct and possibly forceful expression of an opinion.

forthrightly expressing

Emphasizes directness and lack of hesitation in conveying a thought or feeling.

unequivocally articulating

Highlights clarity and lack of ambiguity in conveying something.

making no secret of

Implies something previously concealed is now openly known.

being candid about

Emphasizes honesty and sincerity in revealing something.

coming right out and saying

Highlights the act of being direct and straightforward, often after hesitation.

FAQs

How can I use "openly saying" in a sentence?

"Openly saying" typically introduces a statement that someone is making without concealment or hesitation. For example: "Openly saying I disagree, she presented her alternative proposal".

What's a more formal alternative to "openly saying"?

For more formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "explicitly stated", "publicly declared", or "forthrightly expressed".

Is there a difference between "openly saying" and "publicly stating"?

While similar, "openly saying" emphasizes candor and lack of reservation, whereas "publicly stating" focuses on the public nature of the announcement. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "openly saying"?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight that someone is being candid and straightforward in their communication, especially when it might be surprising or unexpected. It is often used in journalism or less formal communication.