says the message

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "says the message" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the content or meaning conveyed by a message, often in a context where the message is being quoted or summarized. Example: "The email clearly says the message: we need to finalize the project by next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Akinci says the message from Ankara is one of peace.

The Guardian

The school now says the message was fake.

The Washington Post

For employees, Abosch says, the message is that the rules of the workplace have changed.

The Washington Post

She says the message she was getting was that the result would be different.

The Guardian

"They found the little girl five minutes later in a bathroom stall," says the message.

The New York Times

It won't be easy, says the message: "We'll need to think the impossible is possible".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

An aide says the messages were not inappropriate.

The New York Times

Jessica said the message resonated with students.

The Washington Post

Madson said the message was simple.

The New York Times - Sports

But you say the message is not getting across.

Yale University

But for now, he said, the message is clear.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If you intend to quote the message, use quotation marks around the quoted portion for clarity. For instance: "'We need your cooperation to avoid waste,' says the message distributed at the front desk of the hotel."

Common error

Avoid using "says the message" when it's actually a person or organization who is communicating. Clarify who is saying what to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "says the message" primarily functions as a reporting clause, introducing or summarizing the content of a message. It's used to attribute a statement or piece of information to a specific communication, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "says the message" serves as a common and grammatically correct reporting clause to introduce or summarize information conveyed by a communication. Ludwig examples show that it's most frequently used in neutral contexts such as news and media. Though grammatically sound, using "says the message" requires careful attention to attributing the communication accurately and choosing an appropriate alternative if it's not actually the message "speaking". Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is valid and usable in written English, particularly for quoting or summarizing content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the message states

Replaces "says" with "states", offering a slightly more formal tone while retaining the same core meaning.

the message indicates

Substitutes "says" with "indicates", implying that the message points to a particular conclusion or fact.

the message conveys

Uses "conveys" in place of "says", highlighting the transmission of information or feeling from the message.

the message communicates

Replaces "says" with "communicates", focusing on the act of sharing information.

according to the message

Frames the information as being derived from the message, rather than the message actively "saying" something.

the content of the message is

Shifts the focus to the content itself, specifying what the message contains or expresses.

the message expresses

Uses "expresses" instead of "says", highlighting the articulation of a thought or feeling.

the point of the message is

Focuses on the central idea or purpose of the message, rather than a direct quote.

the message reveals

Substitutes "says" with "reveals", implying that the message uncovers or discloses something.

the gist of the message is

Highlights the main idea or summary of the message, rather than a specific statement.

FAQs

How can I use "says the message" in a sentence?

Use "says the message" to indicate the content or information conveyed by a specific communication. For example: "According to the memo, "says the message", we will implement new policies next quarter."

What phrases are similar to "says the message"?

You can use alternatives such as "the message states", "the message indicates", or "the message conveys" to express a similar idea.

Is it better to use "says the message" or "states the message"?

Both "says the message" and "states the message" are acceptable. "Says the message" is generally more conversational, while "states the message" can be perceived as slightly more formal.

Can I use "says the message" for any type of communication?

Yes, "says the message" can be used for various forms of communication, including written notes, emails, or any form of expressed communication where you want to highlight what the message conveys. Ensure the context makes it clear what "the message" refers to.