Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

said by

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "said by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when you want to attribute a statement to the person who made it. For example: "Happiness comes from within," said by Gandhi.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Said by a cardinal it's one thing, but said by the pope, it's another".

News & Media

The New York Times

Larsen said by telephone.

Mr. Seggers said by telephone.

News & Media

The New York Times

"I'll comply," he said by phone.

"This is fantastic," Pelé said by telephone.

"It verified everything," she said by telephone.

"That was never said by anyone.

News & Media

Independent

Nicholson said by telephone.

"The 'Duino Elegies,' " he said, "by Rainer Maria Rilke.

Mo., said by e-mail.

It is said by Presbyterians.

Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When attributing information, ensure the source is credible and relevant to the context. Using "said by" helps to clearly indicate the origin of the statement.

Common error

While "said by" is perfectly acceptable, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "stated by", "mentioned by", or "according to" for variety.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "said by" functions as a verbal attribution, clearly indicating the source of a quoted statement. It connects the statement directly to the speaker, as seen in Ludwig's examples, such as 'I'll comply,' he said by phone.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "said by" is a common and grammatically sound way to attribute a statement to its source. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, this simple construction appears frequently across various domains, including news, academia, and science. While the expression is straightforward, remember that synonyms such as "stated by" or "according to" may provide more formal alternatives. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and its role in clarifying the origin of information, making it a valuable tool for clear and credible communication.

FAQs

How do I use "said by" in a sentence?

The phrase "said by" is used to attribute a statement to someone. For example, "'The key is hard work,' said by the coach."

What are some alternatives to "said by"?

You can use alternatives like "stated by", "mentioned by", or "according to" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "said by" or "according to"?

Both are correct, but ""according to"" is often used in more formal contexts, while "said by" is more neutral. The choice depends on the tone and style of your writing.

Where does the phrase "said by" usually appear in a sentence?

The phrase "said by" typically follows the quote or the statement being attributed. For example, "'We must persevere,' said by the leader."

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: