say with

USAGE SUMMARY

"say with" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
You can use it for emphasis to introduce an opinion or strong statement. Example: Say with me, that nobody is above the law.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's to say, with horror.

Independent

"Quality, drama," they both say, with emphasis.

Independent

It is difficult to say with certainty.

The Economist

This I can say with certainty.

The New York Times

No one can say with certainty why.

The New York Times

He would not say with whom.

The New York Times

The scientists cannot say with certainty now".

The New York Times

Age: Hard to say with certainty.

The Guardian

"No," he would say with a smile.

The New York Times - Arts

"Goodness me," I say, with mock indignity.

The Guardian

We say with Walt Whitman: Salud, Camerado.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "say with" to add emotional context or emphasis to a statement, making it more vivid for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "say with" excessively in formal writing where a more direct or neutral verb might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "say with" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to add descriptive detail about how something is said. It provides context and emotion, as seen in Ludwig's examples like "No," he would say with a smile."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

27%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "say with" is a versatile phrase used to add context and emotion to a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and commonly used expression. It appears frequently in news, media, and scientific writing. While perfectly acceptable, consider the context to prevent overuse in formal writing. Enhance your writing by using "say with" to give depth and vividness to characters' expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

state with

Replaces "say" with "state", suggesting a more formal declaration.

express with

Substitutes "say" with "express", indicating a conveyance of feelings or thoughts.

articulate with

Replaces "say" with "articulate", suggesting a clear and precise expression.

utter with

Substitutes "say" with "utter", implying a formal or emphatic statement.

declare with

Replaces "say" with "declare", denoting a formal and confident announcement.

mention with

Substitutes "say" with "mention", suggesting a brief or casual reference.

add with

Replaces "say" with "add", indicating a supplement to a previous statement.

remark with

Substitutes "say" with "remark", suggesting a comment or observation.

respond with

Replaces "say" with "respond", indicating an answer or reaction.

convey with

Substitutes "say" with "convey", suggesting the transmission of information or feelings.

FAQs

How can I use "say with" in a sentence?

Use "say with" to add emotional tone or emphasis to a statement. For example, "She said with a smile," or "He said with great conviction."

What are some alternatives to "say with"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, alternatives include "state with", "express with", or "articulate with".

Is it always necessary to include "with" after "say"?

No, the "with" is only necessary when you are describing a manner or accompanying detail. You can simply "say" something.

How does "say with" differ from just using an adverb?

"Say with" provides richer context by linking the statement to an emotion, action, or state. While an adverb like "She said sadly" works, "She said with sadness" emphasizes the connection between the statement and the feeling.