say doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "say doing" is not correct and does not make sense in written English.
It is unclear what context or meaning you are trying to convey with this phrase, making it unusable. Example: "I don't understand what you mean when you say doing."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

I'd say doing it brought us closer as a couple.

Independent

You'll say, "Doing O.K.?" He will startle at your presence.

The New Yorker

— Posted by @schadeyacres Some people believe taping windows prevents flying shattered glass, but experts say doing so is not effective.

The New York Times

American officials say doing this would involve arresting large numbers of people and seizing arms.

The New York Times

It's hard to think of the French, Italian or Spanish, say, doing the same thing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They say doing jail time is easier than treatment, and I think that's true.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

I say don't tell.

The New York Times

"We say, don't do that.

The New York Times - Health

His daddy say Don't do that!

The New Yorker

Many say don't do it".

The New Yorker

As they say, do the math.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "say doing" in formal writing. Although it appears in some sources, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect. Opt for alternatives like "say that doing" or rephrase the sentence for clarity.

Common error

Don't use "say doing" when trying to report someone's exact words. Instead, use a complete sentence within quotation marks, or rephrase using 'said that' followed by a proper clause. For example, instead of writing, 'He "say doing" this is correct', write 'He said that doing this is correct'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "say doing" functions as a reporting verb followed by a gerund, but this construction is grammatically questionable. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that this phrase is incorrect, which means that it is not a recognized grammatical pattern in standard English, even though it shows up many times in informal speech.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "say doing" appears relatively frequently in online text, Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is considered grammatically incorrect. Its primary function is to report speech or actions, but it does so in a non-standard way. Though prevalent in informal contexts and even some news media, it's best to avoid "say doing" in formal writing. Alternatives such as "saying that" or a complete rephrasing will ensure grammatical correctness and clarity. Consider using this phrase only in informal speech where grammatical precision is less critical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mention doing

Replaces "say" with "mention", focusing on the act of bringing something up without the implication of direct speech.

state that doing

Uses "state that" instead of "say", offering a more formal tone while maintaining the core meaning.

express doing

Emphasizes the act of conveying a specific feeling or opinion while performing an action.

claim doing

Suggests the action of asserting something as a fact, whether or not it's true.

indicate doing

Implies a more subtle way of showing or pointing out something through actions.

observe doing

Focuses on noticing or watching an action, then reporting it.

remark doing

Highlights the act of making a comment or observation, often briefly.

note doing

Signifies the act of writing down or taking account of an action.

point out doing

Emphasizes the act of drawing attention to an action.

add that doing

Shows that an action is supplementing information or an opinion.

FAQs

How can I correct the phrase "say doing" in a sentence?

Replace "say doing" with grammatically correct alternatives such as "saying that", "state that", or rephrase the sentence for better clarity. The specific choice depends on the intended meaning and context.

What's wrong with the phrase "say doing"?

The phrase "say doing" is grammatically incorrect because it improperly combines a verb ("say") with a gerund ("doing") without a proper connector or auxiliary verb. It does not conform to standard English sentence structure.

Is "say doing" ever correct in English?

In most contexts, "say doing" is not considered grammatically correct. While you might encounter it in informal speech or certain dialects, it's best to avoid it in formal writing. Use more standard phrases like "saying that" or rephrase the sentence to be grammatically sound.

What are some alternatives to "say doing" in formal writing?

In formal writing, you can use alternatives like "state that", "mention that", or "assert that". Ensure that the chosen phrase maintains the intended meaning and tone of the original sentence. A complete clause is usually necessary for clarity.