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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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say it good

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "say it good" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically intended to mean expressing something well or effectively, but the phrasing is awkward. Example: "If you want to convince them, you need to say it better."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It was, and I am not ashamed to say it, good business.

News & Media

Independent

Dare I say it: good job EA?

News & Media

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

If you do it right everyone will say it's good and it will look right.

They just say it tastes good".

News & Media

Forbes

If I say it is good they will see it as good.

Not to say it's good math.

News & Media

The Economist

So she would come and say: "It's good.

News & Media

The New York Times

She added: "Sometimes they say it's good to lose.

News & Media

The New York Times

Some employees even say it tastes good.

News & Media

The New York Times

"He'll say it's good.

News & Media

The New York Times

I'd say it's good enough".

Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to express something positively, ensure your phrasing adheres to standard grammatical rules. Instead of "say it good", opt for "say it well" or "express it effectively".

Common error

A common mistake is using an adjective (good) instead of an adverb (well) to modify the verb "say". Remember that adverbs describe how an action is performed. Instead of incorrectly stating "say it good", use the grammatically correct form, "say it well".

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

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "say it good" functions as a declarative statement, but its grammatical incorrectness undermines its effectiveness. As Ludwig AI indicates, it deviates from standard English usage. It attempts to express approval or endorsement of the manner in which something is said.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "say it good" might appear in informal contexts, it is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing and speech. As Ludwig AI emphasizes, the correct alternative is "say it well", which uses the adverb "well" to properly modify the verb "say". Opting for grammatically sound alternatives such as "express it effectively" or "articulate it clearly" will enhance clarity and credibility. The presence of "say it good" in news articles and wiki entries doesn't validate its correctness but reflects its occasional use in less formal domains. Prioritize "say it well" to ensure effective and grammatically sound communication.

FAQs

What's the correct way to say something is well-expressed?

Instead of the grammatically incorrect "say it good", you should use "say it well". The adverb "well" correctly modifies the verb "say", indicating the quality of expression.

Can I use "say it good" in any situation?

While you might hear "say it good" in very informal or colloquial speech, it's not appropriate for professional, academic, or formal contexts. Always use "say it well" in these settings.

What are some alternatives to "say it good"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "express it effectively", "articulate it clearly", or "convey it properly" instead of "say it good".

Is there a difference between "say it well" and "say it good"?

Yes, "say it good" is grammatically incorrect, using the adjective "good" instead of the adverb "well". "Say it well" is the grammatically correct and preferred way to express that something is articulated effectively.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: