safe to say

USAGE SUMMARY

"safe to say" is correct and usable in written English and can be used in several different situations.
For example, you might say, "It's safe to say that the new restaurant will be very popular in town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's safe to say.

The New York Times - Sports

That seems safe to say.

The New York Times

Safe to say, it is not underused.

Independent

I think that's safe to say".

The New York Times - Sports

It's safe to say this catapulted business.

The New York Times

"I would say that's safe to say".

The New York Times - Sports

"Safe to say, it won't happen again".

The New York Times - Sports

Anywhere, it's safe to say, but Wolverhampton.

The Guardian

Safe to say he's quite enjoying himself.

The Guardian - Sport

One thing seems safe to say, though.

The New York Times

It's safe to say he probably is.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "safe to say" to introduce a summary or conclusion based on presented evidence or a shared understanding. It provides a gentle way to express certainty without sounding overly assertive.

Common error

While "safe to say" is useful, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Vary your language by using alternative phrases like "it is reasonable to assert" or "one can confidently state".

Linguistic Context

Safe to say functions as a hedging phrase, softening a statement and indicating a degree of confidence without claiming absolute certainty. It allows a speaker or writer to express an opinion or conclusion based on available evidence, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "safe to say" is a common and versatile phrase used to introduce a statement that is likely true based on the available information. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While it's suitable for many contexts, including news and media, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or professional writing. Be mindful of overuse and consider related phrases like "it is reasonable to assert" to vary your language. Top sources include The New York Times and The Guardian, highlighting its prevalence in reputable publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one can confidently state

Indicates a strong degree of assurance in the validity of a claim.

it seems almost certain

Conveys a high degree of confidence, approaching complete certainty.

it's a pretty sure thing

Indicates a very high level of confidence in the statement's truth.

it is reasonable to assert

Emphasizes the logical justification for making a statement.

we can reasonably assume

Highlights the logical basis for making a statement.

it is probably accurate to say

Acknowledges a small degree of uncertainty while still affirming the statement's likely truth.

it's a fair assumption

Highlights the likelihood of something being true based on available information.

it's a safe bet

Implies a high probability of something occurring or being true.

it's likely true

Directly expresses the probability of something being factual.

it's a good guess

Suggests a statement is based on informed estimation.

FAQs

How can I use "safe to say" in a sentence?

"Safe to say" is used to introduce a statement that you believe is generally true or a reasonable conclusion based on the available information. For example, "Given the high demand, it's "safe to say" the product will sell out quickly."

What are some alternatives to "safe to say"?

Alternatives to "safe to say" include "it is reasonable to assert", "one can confidently state", or "it's a fair assumption". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "safe to say" in formal writing?

While "safe to say" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives might be preferred in highly academic or professional contexts. Consider using phrases like "it is reasonable to assert" for a more formal tone.

What does "safe to say" imply about the statement being made?

"Safe to say" implies that the statement is likely true or a reasonable conclusion, but it might not be a definitively proven fact. It suggests a level of confidence based on evidence or general understanding.