really saying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "really saying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize the true meaning or implication of someone's words or statements. Example: "What you're really saying is that you don't trust my judgment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(And that's really saying something.

The New York Times

But was he really saying finis?

The New York Times

Ramos finally asked, "Are you really saying . . .

The New Yorker

He's not really saying that, is he?

The New Yorker

Am I really saying that?

The Guardian - Sport

Dr Cooper wasn't really saying anything new.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was really saying goodbye to both.

The New Yorker

"She is not really saying anything new.

The Guardian

Sick people, they are really saying, should pay more.

The New York Times - Health

Who's really saying what in what time about what?

Independent

Wasn't she really saying: "Good taste, party of two"?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "really saying", consider the context and tone to avoid sounding confrontational or accusatory.

Common error

Avoid assuming you know what someone is "really saying" without considering their perspective or asking clarifying questions. Jumping to conclusions can lead to misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really saying" functions primarily as a verbal phrase used to inquire about or emphasize the true or underlying meaning of a statement. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is employed across diverse contexts to dissect and clarify intended messages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "really saying" is a versatile phrase used to explore the deeper implications and true meaning behind words. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news and media contexts. To enhance your writing, consider the context and tone when using this phrase to ensure clarity and avoid unintended confrontation. Alternative phrases like "actually implying" or "truly conveying" can offer a softer approach in formal or sensitive situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

truly conveying

Emphasizes the genuineness of the message being communicated.

genuinely meaning

Highlights the sincerity and intention behind the words.

what's being expressed

Emphasizes the act of conveying thoughts or feelings.

actually implying

Focuses on the indirect suggestion rather than direct statement.

what's being implied

Focuses on the unspoken or inferred meaning.

essentially communicating

Focuses on the core message being delivered.

in effect stating

Highlights the practical outcome or consequence of the statement.

fundamentally asserting

Emphasizes a strong declaration or affirmation.

at heart suggesting

Focuses on the underlying idea being hinted at.

what they're getting at

Informal way of asking to clarify what someone means.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "really saying" to sound less confrontational?

You could use alternatives like "actually implying", "truly conveying", or "genuinely meaning" depending on the context to soften the tone.

Is it correct to use "really saying" in formal writing?

While "really saying" is grammatically correct, it's more common in informal contexts. For formal writing, consider using phrases like "essentially communicating" or "fundamentally asserting" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "really saying" and "simply saying"?

"Really saying" implies there's a deeper or hidden meaning behind the words, while "simply saying" suggests the words are straightforward and without hidden intent.

When should I use "really saying" instead of "actually saying"?

Use "really saying" when you want to emphasize the true or underlying meaning. "Actually saying" is used to state what was explicitly said, without necessarily implying a hidden meaning. For example, "What are you 'actually saying' vs 'What are you really saying'".