overtly saying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overtly saying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize that something is being stated in a clear and open manner, without any attempt to hide or disguise the meaning. Example: "He was overtly saying that he disagreed with the decision, making his feelings very clear to everyone in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

They are overtly saying, 'I want him, I need him, I miss him — no homo!' And then they grow up and become depressed".

The New York Times

"My idea was to create a Northwest-centered design store without overtly saying, 'This is the Northwest,' " Mr. Schuck, 34, explained.

The New York Times

As a company we tell all our Instagrammers to have full disclosure of sponsored pictures, either by overtly saying they are very excited with working with a certain brand or by hashtagging the picture with 'sponsored by'".

The Guardian - Tech

When Ms. Ravitch assails the emphasis on standardized testing, particularly under the No Child Left Behind law, and when she exhorts schools to use a content-rich core curriculum and emphasize character and build ties to parents and neighborhoods, she is, without overtly saying so, extolling the essential traits of Catholic education.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Mr. Jiménez doesn't overtly say.

The New York Times

Ms. Dunham doesn't overtly say.

The New York Times

But the real beauty of "The Anthologist" lies in what Paul does not overtly say.

The New York Times - Books

So Mr Miliband will not overtly say that he wants Mr Murphy to get the job, but that is his desired outcome.

The Guardian - Opinion

They may not overtly say that money is the problem, but it may be that they're angry that one person is going out more than the other, or that one person pursues expensive hobbies.

Independent

Sidebar: in properties that are targeted towards students (this one, walking distance to London Met, is very student-oriented), landlords are often more lax when it comes to sub-letting, i.e. this advert very overtly says it's OK if you want to split the rent three ways and have someone rent your front room and sleep in there as if it is a bedroom (we have seen this with kitchens before).

Vice

Typically most hipsters may not overtly say they are smarter than the rest of the population, but usually think this to be true.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "overtly saying" when you want to emphasize that someone is expressing something in a clear, direct, and unmistakable manner. It's best suited for contexts where clarity and lack of ambiguity are important.

Common error

Avoid using "overtly saying" in very informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Simpler phrases like "clearly stating" or "just saying" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overtly saying" functions as a verbal phrase emphasizing the manner of communication. It modifies the verb "saying" to indicate that the action is performed in an open and unconcealed way. Ludwig indicates this is correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overtly saying" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the direct and unambiguous nature of a statement. While recognized as correct by Ludwig, it is relatively rare, predominantly appearing in news and media contexts. For alternative phrasings, consider options like "explicitly stating" or "clearly expressing". Avoid using it in informal situations where simpler alternatives might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explicitly stating

Highlights the clarity and lack of ambiguity in the statement.

clearly expressing

Focuses on the ease and understandability of the communication.

directly asserting

Emphasizes the confident and straightforward nature of the statement.

openly declaring

Stresses the public and unreserved nature of the statement.

plainly articulating

Highlights the simplicity and lack of embellishment in the expression.

unambiguously conveying

Focuses on the absence of any potential for misinterpretation.

forthrightly communicating

Emphasizes the honesty and directness of the communication.

bluntly stating

Indicates a lack of tact or politeness in the statement.

candidly expressing

Highlights the honesty and sincerity behind the statement.

unequivocally affirming

Stresses the strength and certainty of the statement.

FAQs

What does "overtly saying" mean?

"Overtly saying" means expressing something in a clear, direct, and unconcealed manner. It implies that there is no attempt to hide or disguise the message.

What can I say instead of "overtly saying"?

You can use alternatives like "explicitly stating", "clearly expressing", or "directly asserting" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "overtly saying"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is valid and usable in written English.

When is it most appropriate to use "overtly saying"?

It's best to use "overtly saying" in situations where you want to emphasize the directness and lack of ambiguity in a statement, particularly in formal or professional contexts.