say from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "say from" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is not commonly used and may lead to confusion without additional context. Example: "I can only say from my experience that it is important to stay focused."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I'd say from the 1880s to the 1920s.

The New York Times

The move, say, from real life to its writing.

The New York Times - Books

Richard Burton emerged, that's all I can say from here.

The New Yorker

Old money (dating, say, from the 1980's), very Prius.

The New York Times - Style

It's been a long journey, I say, from Searcy, Arkansas.

The Guardian - Music

Blimey, one of them might say from withal.

The New Yorker

"It's easy to say from up here, and it's easy to prove from up here.

The New York Times - Sports

The poem was sent to Mr. Say from another user before he forwarded it.

The New York Times

"And he made a good product," Mr. O'Neil added, "which I can say from experience".

The New York Times

Especially, I would say from my partisan perspective, regarding classical music?

The New York Times - Arts

Year-younger Say, from the Aidan O'Brien yard, took the runner-up spot.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using alternatives such as "according to", "based on", or "from my perspective" for clarity and grammatical correctness. These alternatives typically provide more precise and understandable phrasing.

Common error

Avoid using "say from" in formal contexts or academic writing. It is often perceived as ungrammatical or colloquial. Instead, opt for phrases like "according to" or "based on" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "say from" often functions as an attribution or source indicator, though its usage is typically considered non-standard. It attempts to link a statement or viewpoint to its origin, but more precise alternatives are usually preferred. Ludwig shows examples in various contexts, some sounding awkward.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "say from" appears in various sources, including news and media, Ludwig identifies it as grammatically incorrect. It's often used to indicate the origin of a statement, but more precise and standard alternatives like "according to", "based on", or "from my perspective" are generally preferred, especially in formal writing. Despite its frequent usage, opting for clearer alternatives will improve the accuracy and professionalism of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

state from

Replaces "say" with "state", emphasizing a more formal declaration based on a particular standpoint.

express from

Focuses on conveying thoughts or feelings originating from a specific source or perspective.

indicate from

Suggests pointing out or making something known based on a particular viewpoint or position.

mention from

Highlights bringing something to attention based on a specific origin or experience.

remark from

Emphasizes making a comment or observation stemming from a specific perspective.

add from

Focuses on including additional information originating from a specific source or condition.

note from

Suggests making a written or formal record from a certain viewpoint.

observe from

Highlights noticing or perceiving something originating from a specific vantage point.

assert from

Implies declaring something confidently based on a particular foundation or belief.

claim from

Indicates stating something as a fact, potentially with a degree of uncertainty or contestation, based on a specific reason.

FAQs

How can I properly use the words "say" and "from" together in a sentence?

Instead of "say from", consider using phrases like "according to", "based on", or "from my perspective" for clearer and more grammatically correct sentences.

What's a more formal alternative to the phrase "say from"?

For formal writing, replace "say from" with phrases such as "state from", "indicate from", or "express from", depending on the intended meaning.

Is the phrase "say from" grammatically correct in English?

The phrase "say from" is often considered grammatically incorrect or awkward in standard English. It's better to use clearer alternatives like "according to" or "based on".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "say from"?

While not generally recommended, "say from" might appear in colloquial speech or informal writing. However, for clarity and correctness, it's advisable to use alternatives like "according to" or rephrase the sentence to avoid the construction altogether.