saying this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "saying this" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to refer to something you have just mentioned or are about to elaborate on. Example: "I believe in honesty, and saying this, I must admit my mistake." Alternative expressions include "stating this" and "mentioning this."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who is saying this?

The New Yorker

(Kilar denies saying this).

The New Yorker

(Rabin denied saying this).

The New Yorker

I'm saying this silently".

The New York Times

Smith denies saying this.

The New Yorker

(He denies saying this).

The Economist

I'm saying this anecdotally.

The New York Times

(Louima denies ever saying this).

The New Yorker

(Grimm has denied saying this).

The New Yorker

(Bell later denied saying this).

The New York Times - Magazine

There are scholars saying this".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "saying this" to smoothly transition between a general statement and a specific example or explanation. For example, "Honesty is crucial; saying this, I must admit I made a mistake."

Common error

Avoid using "saying this" repetitively in close succession, as it can make your writing sound monotonous. Instead, vary your transitional phrases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "saying this" functions primarily as a transitional phrase, connecting a preceding statement to a following explanation, clarification, or consequence. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in introducing admissions, expressing personal feelings, and providing context for further discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

6%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "saying this" is a versatile and grammatically sound transitional phrase used to connect related statements. As demonstrated by Ludwig, its primary function is to introduce clarification, context, or consequence, making it suitable for a wide variety of writing and speaking scenarios. While generally neutral in register, its frequency across diverse contexts like News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business underscores its adaptability. Although common, overuse can lead to monotony, so varying transitional phrases is recommended. The phrase is deemed correct by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stating this

Replaces "saying" with "stating", implying a more formal or deliberate declaration.

mentioning this

Substitutes "saying" with "mentioning", softening the tone to simply bringing something to attention.

pointing this out

Focuses on highlighting a specific detail or fact.

noting this

Emphasizes the act of making a record or observation of something.

adding this

Implies appending additional information to a previous statement.

remarking on this

Suggests making a comment or observation about something.

expressing this

Focuses on conveying a thought or feeling.

articulating this

Highlights the act of clearly and precisely expressing something.

declaring this

Conveys a strong and often formal announcement.

professing this

Implies openly admitting or declaring a belief or feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "saying this" in a sentence?

You can use "saying this" to introduce a clarification, example, or consequence related to a previous statement. For example, "I value punctuality; "saying this", I apologize for being late".

What are some alternatives to "saying this"?

Alternatives include "stating this", "mentioning this", or "pointing this out", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "saying this" at the beginning of a sentence?

While less common, starting a sentence with "saying this" is grammatically correct, especially when it directly refers to a prior statement. For example, "Saying this, I want to emphasize that exceptions exist".

What's the difference between "saying this" and "having said that"?

"Saying this" typically connects a statement with an immediate clarification or consequence. "Having said that" introduces a contrasting or qualifying statement, often implying a change in perspective. For example, "I appreciate her effort; "saying this", the result wasn't satisfactory". Instead, "The result wasn't satisfactory, "having said that", I appreciate her effort".