saying otherwise

USAGE SUMMARY

"saying otherwise" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrasting or opposing viewpoint or statement. Example: "The article argues that eating meat is necessary for a balanced diet, but saying otherwise is the growing trend of plant-based diets among health-conscious individuals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Anyone saying otherwise generally has an interest in selling property".

The New York Times

Didn't he come from his mommy?" "Yes, but he kept saying otherwise.

The New Yorker

Nothing against the pub, of course – the pub is great and saying otherwise is sacrilege.

Independent

That's not a bumper sticker, but we terribly mislead people by saying otherwise.

The New York Times

"Yes, it was a handball," Rodríguez said, "there's no point in saying otherwise".

The Guardian - Sport

Without any regulations saying otherwise, major media companies can own shows, the networks that distribute them, and any associated products.

The New York Times

It is hard to imagine any firm saying otherwise, which makes such assertions less than fully persuasive.

The New York Times

Earley's March 2014 letter rejecting Detroit's offer to keep supplying Flint with water is rock-solid evidence saying otherwise.

The Guardian - Opinion

"When I arrived, I was very nervous; there's no point saying otherwise," said Elder, now 65 years old.

The New York Times - Sports

However, various claims saying otherwise have since surfaced, the latest from none other than Ranko Ostojic, the country's interior minister.

The Guardian - Sport

Saying otherwise because they don't fit the common parlance or emotional image of an orphan avoids a difficult question.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "saying otherwise" to directly contrast a statement with evidence or observations that suggest a different conclusion is more accurate. It emphasizes the divergence between claims and reality.

Common error

Avoid using "saying otherwise" when you only intend to offer a nuance or a slight variation of a statement. Reserve it for situations where the alternative perspective fundamentally contradicts the original claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "saying otherwise" functions as a conjunctive phrase, introducing a contrasting viewpoint, evidence, or assertion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to present an alternative perspective that challenges a previous statement or claim.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "saying otherwise" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a contrasting viewpoint or evidence, effectively challenging a preceding statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and common across various types of sources, particularly in news and media. While it's essential to use it when a genuine disagreement exists, avoiding its use for mere nuances, remember to replace it with alternatives like ""claiming the opposite"" or "disputing that claim" to vary your language. By utilizing "saying otherwise" judiciously, you can add clarity and impact to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disputing that claim

Specifically targets a claim and expresses a challenge to its validity.

arguing against that

Directly indicates a dispute or disagreement with a specific point.

declaring the opposite

Focuses on a bold statement that contrasts with a prior claim.

claiming the opposite

Focuses on the act of asserting a contradictory statement.

contending differently

Suggests a formal argument presenting an alternative perspective.

asserting the contrary

Highlights a formal declaration that opposes a previous statement.

taking exception to that

Indicates a formal and often strong objection to something said or done.

maintaining the reverse

Emphasizes the persistence in holding an opposing viewpoint.

stating the inverse

Implies a precise reversal of a previous statement.

professing disagreement

Highlights the act of openly declaring a lack of agreement.

FAQs

How do I use "saying otherwise" in a sentence?

"Saying otherwise" typically introduces a contradictory statement or perspective. For instance, "The company claims record profits, but the laid-off workers are "saying otherwise"."

What is a good alternative to "saying otherwise"?

Alternatives include "claiming the opposite", "asserting the contrary", or "arguing against that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "saying otherwise"?

Yes, "saying otherwise" is grammatically correct. It functions as a conjunction phrase introducing a conflicting viewpoint or information.

What's the difference between "saying otherwise" and "claiming the opposite"?

"Saying otherwise" is a more general expression of disagreement, while "claiming the opposite" specifically emphasizes the act of asserting a directly contradictory statement.