overheard saying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overheard saying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that someone was heard saying without their knowledge, often in a context where the speaker is not directly addressing the listener. Example: "I overheard saying that the meeting has been rescheduled for next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You are so beautiful," Ms. Leoni was overheard saying.

The New York Times

"I tweeted that," a bartender was overheard saying.

The New York Times

People were overheard saying that they didn't "get it".

The New York Times

"You were overheard saying you'd kill for a good tomato".

The New Yorker

One observer was overheard saying: "I would never do this on my life.

The New York Times

"That didn't start very well," Lt. Gen. Adrian Bradshaw was overheard saying to aides afterward.

The New York Times

One Waitrose customer was overheard saying: "Gosh you have to be millionaires to shop here.

Independent

While the tennis match was being run off, an Eskimo lady was overheard saying.

The New Yorker

"We need to get that video," one attendee was overheard saying.

The New York Times

A distressed child is overheard saying, "Mommy, I want to leave".

Independent

"It is a very, very, very fine crêpe," one regular was overheard saying to her date.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "overheard saying" to indicate that you heard someone say something without their direct knowledge or intention of you hearing it. This adds an element of spontaneity and candidness to the information.

Common error

Avoid using "overheard saying" if you are unsure of the source or if the information was intentionally shared with you. Instead, use phrases like "I heard from a source" or "I was told that" to maintain accuracy and transparency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overheard saying" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a participle phrase, often used to introduce information acquired through casual or unintended listening. It serves to attribute a statement to an unidentified or indirect source, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "overheard saying" is a commonly used verb phrase that describes the act of hearing someone speak without their direct knowledge or intention. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and predominantly found in news and media contexts. It serves to report information obtained casually and often adds a sense of candor or unintentional disclosure. While generally neutral in tone, alternatives like ""heard someone mention"" or ""caught someone saying"" may be more appropriate depending on the context. When using "overheard saying", ensure you are accurately representing the source and the unintentional nature of the information being conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

caught someone saying

Similar to "overheard saying", but suggests a more accidental or fleeting instance of hearing.

heard someone mention

Focuses on the act of hearing a brief statement or topic being brought up.

chanced to hear someone say

Highlights the element of chance in hearing the statement.

picked up on a comment

Suggests a subtle or indirect way of hearing the statement.

eavesdropped on a conversation

Implies a deliberate act of listening to a private conversation.

listened in on someone's words

Implies a deliberate act of listening to another person's speech.

heard it said

More passive construction, indicating the speaker isn't sure of the source.

was privy to a remark

More formal and emphasizes the privileged nature of hearing the statement.

became aware of a statement

Neutral, focusing on gaining knowledge of the statement.

heard tell of

An older, somewhat archaic phrasing for hearing a report or rumor.

FAQs

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

You can use "overheard saying" to report something you heard someone say without their knowledge. For example, "I "overheard saying" that the project is behind schedule."

What are some alternatives to "overheard saying"?

Alternatives include "heard someone mention", "caught someone saying", or "eavesdropped on a conversation", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "overheard saying" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, using stronger or more precise language may enhance formality. Consider using phrases like "it was reported that" or "sources indicated that" in formal contexts.

What's the difference between "overheard saying" and "heard someone say"?

"Overheard saying" implies accidentally hearing something not intended for your ears, while "heard someone say" is more general and doesn't necessarily imply the same accidental context.