says of him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "says of him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when attributing a statement or opinion about someone, often in a literary or formal context. Example: "The author says of him that he was a man of great integrity and wisdom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Mendes simply says of him, "Conrad is a great man.

The Guardian - Film

SPURGEON: That's what Ross Brawn says of him too.

The New York Times

McGeechan says of him: "He's a Test match animal.

The Guardian - Sport

"This is our dimpled hypochondriac," Kirshner says of him.

The New Yorker

Schmidt says of him, as one might of a wine writer, "He has a good nose".

The New Yorker

The screenwriter William Goldman says of him, "Right now, he is as good as the game".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

"Very proper," she said of him.

The New York Times

That was what was said of him.

The New Yorker

("Kind of cute," one blogger said of him).

The New York Times

Haughey famously said of him: "He's the man.

Independent

"He was always a salesman," Arthur said of him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "says of him" to introduce a direct quote or paraphrase that reveals someone's opinion or assessment of another person. This adds credibility and depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "says of him" in casual conversation or informal writing. It is more suitable for formal analyses, academic papers, or news reports where a degree of authority and objectivity is desired.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "says of him" is to serve as a reporting verb phrase. It introduces someone's statement, opinion, or description concerning another person. Ludwig's examples show it used across various sources to attribute specific viewpoints.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

19%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "says of him" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce someone's opinion or description about another person. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in news and academic contexts, it lends a formal and authoritative tone. Alternatives include "states about him" or "comments about him", offering similar meanings with slight variations in formality. When using "says of him", ensure it aligns with the desired level of formality and that the attributed statement adds value to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

states about him

Suggests a formal declaration or assertion regarding the individual.

comments about him

This phrase focuses on general remarks or observations made about the person.

declares about him

Emphasizes a formal and often public statement.

remarks concerning him

Similar to comments, but suggests a more formal or official statement.

observes about him

Highlights a particular noticed detail or characteristic.

notes regarding him

Implies a written or recorded observation, often brief or specific.

claims regarding him

Suggests an assertion that may be disputed or require proof.

mentions about him

Indicates a brief reference or acknowledgement.

reports about him

Focuses on conveying information or news.

portrays him as

Highlights the way someone is depicted or represented.

FAQs

How do I use "says of him" in a sentence?

Use "says of him" to introduce a quotation or paraphrase that expresses someone's opinion or characterization of another person. For example, "The biographer "says of him" that he was a complex and enigmatic figure".

What can I say instead of "says of him"?

You can use alternatives like "states about him", "remarks concerning him", or "comments about him" depending on the context.

Is "says of him" formal or informal?

"Says of him" leans towards the formal side. In more casual settings, you might prefer phrases like "mentions about him" or simpler constructions like "he said about him".

Which is correct, "says of him" or "says about him"?

Both "says of him" and "says about him" are grammatically acceptable, but ""says of him"" is often used to introduce a more profound or insightful characterization. "Says about him" is a more general way to introduce a statement.