said to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "said to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to point out that something is stated by someone else or is believed by many people, but not yet confirmed. For example, "The painting is said to be the work of a famous artist from the 21st century."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was said to be enduringly blissful.

The Economist

China, too, is said to be interested.

The Economist

Morale is now said to be high.

The Economist

Only five were said to be alive.

The New Yorker

Twenty positions are said to be vacant.

The New York Times - Arts

He is said to be brilliant.

Independent

They are said to be furious.

Independent

The fee is said to be $100m.

The Economist

He is said to be deeply religious.

Independent

The Queen is said to be delighted.

Independent

Their numbers are said to be growing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "said to be" when conveying information attributed to an unspecified source or a general consensus, particularly when absolute certainty is lacking. This adds a layer of neutrality.

Common error

Avoid relying on "said to be" excessively, as it can weaken your writing. If you have reliable sources, cite them directly to add credibility. If not, consider if the statement is even necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "said to be" functions as a reporting verb construction. It attributes information to an unspecified source, presenting it as a claim or belief rather than an established fact. Ludwig provides examples illustrating this function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "said to be" is a versatile expression used to report information without asserting its absolute truth. It's grammatically correct and very common, especially in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples. However, it's crucial to avoid overuse and, when possible, provide specific sources for greater credibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for conveying information when certainty is lacking, adding a layer of neutrality to the statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reported to be

Emphasizes the reporting aspect, focusing on the information's origin.

Alleged to be

Implies uncertainty or doubt about the veracity of the statement.

Considered to be

Highlights a general opinion or assessment.

Believed to be

Stresses the aspect of belief or assumption.

Rumored to be

Suggests the information is based on unofficial sources or hearsay.

Purported to be

Indicates that the claim might be false or exaggerated.

Claimed to be

Highlights that the statement is an assertion, which may or may not be true.

Understood to be

Focuses on a shared or common understanding.

Thought to be

Similar to "believed to be", but can imply a more casual assessment.

Widely known to be

Emphasizes the broad acceptance or recognition of the information.

FAQs

How can I use "said to be" in a sentence?

Use "said to be" to indicate that information is reported but not definitively confirmed. For example, "The new drug is "said to be" effective in treating the disease".

What are some alternatives to "said to be"?

You can use alternatives like "reported to be", "believed to be", or "alleged to be" depending on the context and the degree of certainty you want to convey.

Is it better to use "said to be" or a more direct statement?

Using a direct statement is preferable when you have verifiable evidence. "Said to be" is best when conveying information from an unspecified source or general belief, where absolute proof is lacking.

What does it mean when something is "said to be"?

When something is ""said to be"", it means that people are reporting it or believing it to be true, but it has not necessarily been proven or confirmed. It indicates a degree of uncertainty or reliance on hearsay.