says otherwise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "says otherwise" is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express the idea that something contradicts a previously expressed opinion or statement. For example: John thinks that Anna won't show up tonight, but her text message says otherwise.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

History says otherwise.

The New York Times

The scoreboard says otherwise.

The New York Times - Sports

But politics says otherwise.

The Economist

Human curiosity says otherwise.

The Economist

The evidence says otherwise.

The New York Times

Experience sometimes says otherwise.

The New York Times

Ms. Gielgud says otherwise.

The New York Times - Arts

Scientific evidence says otherwise.

The Guardian

Bari, though, says otherwise.

The Guardian

Historical evidence says otherwise, however.

The Economist

The actual data says otherwise.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "says otherwise" to concisely indicate a contradiction or differing opinion, especially when referring to statements or evidence from a specific source. Ensure the context clearly identifies who or what is contradicting the initial claim.

Common error

Avoid using "says otherwise" without clearly specifying the source that presents the contradicting information. Ambiguity can weaken your argument and confuse the reader. Always clarify who or what "says otherwise".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "says otherwise" functions as a concise way to introduce a contradiction or differing viewpoint, often following a statement or claim. It references an alternative source of information or perspective. As Ludwig AI reports, the phrase is perfectly correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "says otherwise" is a versatile expression used to introduce contradictory information or alternative perspectives. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and prevalent, especially in news and media contexts. It functions to challenge or dispute previous claims, highlighting conflicting viewpoints. For clearer writing, make sure to identify the source that "says otherwise" to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "indicates the contrary" or "contradicts this" for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contradicts this

Directly points out a conflict with a previous statement or idea.

the evidence suggests otherwise

Focuses on contradictory evidence.

indicates the contrary

Emphasizes a direct opposition in evidence or findings.

suggests the opposite

Highlights an alternative conclusion based on available information.

facts on the ground say differently

Indicates that the actual situation contradicts claims.

presents a different view

Offers an alternative perspective on the matter.

reality paints a different picture

Highlights a discrepancy between theory and reality.

experience proves the contrary

Draws on experience to challenge a statement.

disagrees with that

Expresses a difference in opinion or perspective.

the truth is different

Highlights a discrepancy between a statement and the factual truth.

FAQs

How can I use "says otherwise" in a sentence?

You can use "says otherwise" to indicate a contradiction. For example, "John believes the project will fail, but the data "suggests otherwise"".

What's a more formal way to say "says otherwise"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "indicates the contrary", "demonstrates the opposite", or "contradicts this".

Is it okay to start a sentence with "says otherwise"?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "says otherwise" might sound less formal. It's often better to include a subject. For instance, "However, the evidence "says otherwise"".

What's the difference between "suggests otherwise" and "says otherwise"?

"Says otherwise" implies a direct statement or assertion that contradicts something. "Suggests otherwise" implies a more subtle indication or implication. The evidence "suggests otherwise" implies the evidence points to a different conclusion, without explicitly stating it.