really to say

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "really to say" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be a misphrasing or a confusion of expressions. An example of a correct usage might be: "What I really mean to say is that I appreciate your help."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

There's nothing really to say.

The New York Times

There's nothing really to say about it.

The New York Times - Sports

Sometimes there is nothing really to say.

The Guardian - Sport

What is there really to say here?

The Guardian - Sport

"There's nothing really to say," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

It's preposterous really to say that some parts are better or more important than others.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

But I really really wanted to say hi to them.

Los Angeles Times

I am really excited to say that some really great things resulted.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But it's really hard to say that's really stimulus money.

Forbes

Really hard to say much about SS.

The New Yorker

Nobody really had to say anything.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using "really to say", opt for clearer and more grammatically sound alternatives such as "what I really mean to say" or "what I'm trying to say" to ensure your message is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid combining "really" directly with "to say" as it often leads to awkward and unclear sentences. Restructure your sentence to use "really" to modify the verb or adjective it's intended to emphasize.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really to say" is not a recognized grammatical structure in English. Ludwig AI indicates that this is an incorrect phrasing. A corrected version typically functions as a clause introducer or a sentence modifier, aiming to emphasize the speaker's intention.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "really to say" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is advisable to use alternative phrases such as "what I really mean to say" or "what I'm trying to say" to ensure clarity and grammatical accuracy. While there are no authoritative sources using this exact phrase, understanding the intended meaning allows for effective rephrasing to maintain the message's integrity. Proper use of alternative phrases helps avoid confusion and ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what I really mean to say

Focuses on clarifying the intended message with emphasis.

what I actually want to say

Highlights the speaker's genuine intention to express something specific.

what I'm trying to say

Emphasizes the effort to communicate a particular point or idea.

the point I'm really making

Shifts focus to the central argument or idea being presented.

if I'm being honest

Introduces a statement with a disclaimer of sincerity and truthfulness.

what I truly want to express

Stresses the sincerity and authenticity of the intended message.

in all honesty

Introduces a statement with a declaration of sincerity and openness.

to be perfectly frank

Indicates a direct and candid statement, often revealing a potentially sensitive opinion.

to put it bluntly

Signals a concise and straightforward expression, potentially lacking tact.

the truth is

Introduces a statement intended to reveal the actual or underlying reality.

FAQs

What's a better way to phrase "really to say"?

Instead of "really to say", consider using phrases like "what I really mean to say", "what I'm trying to say", or "what I actually want to say", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "really to say" grammatically correct?

No, "really to say" isn't grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to rephrase it for clarity and grammatical accuracy.

How can I use "really" correctly with "say"?

You can use "really" correctly by placing it before the verb it modifies, for example, "I really want to say" or "I really mean to say". Avoid using "really to say" directly.

What's the difference between "really to say" and "what I mean to say"?

"Really to say" is not a standard English phrase and is considered incorrect. On the other hand, "what I mean to say" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that introduces a clarification or restatement of a point.