she could say

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she could say" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's ability or opportunity to express something, often in a hypothetical or conditional context. Example: "In that situation, she could say whatever she felt was necessary to address the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

She could say awful things.

The New Yorker

But that was all she could say.

The New York Times

"All she could say was thank you".

The New York Times

"Thank you," was all she could say.

The New Yorker

"She could say, 'In Kentucky, we got it right.

The Washington Post

That was just about all she could say.

The New York Times - Books

She didn't really see how she could say no.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

She could say with absolute certainty that that's precisely how it happened.

The New Yorker

She asked if she could say a healing prayer for me.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

She said that he could say it was an emergency.

The New Yorker

Wiercioch said she couldn't say.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a past situation, use "she could have said" to reflect on what might have been communicated differently.

Common error

Avoid using "she can say" when referring to a past scenario where "she could say" is more appropriate to indicate a past possibility or ability. "She can say" implies a present ability or permission.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she could say" primarily functions as a modal phrase indicating a possibility, ability, or permission in a past or hypothetical context. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in reporting potential statements or actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "she could say" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate possibility, ability, or permission, primarily in past or hypothetical contexts. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's commonly found in news and media, exhibiting a neutral register suitable for various communication needs. To ensure accurate usage, avoid tense confusion with "she can say" and consider context-appropriate alternatives like "she might express" or "she was able to articulate". With a high expert rating, the phrase is a reliable and versatile component of English expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she might express

Suggests a possibility of expressing something.

she may remark

Suggests a casual or brief comment.

she was able to articulate

Focuses on the ability to express something clearly and effectively.

she has the right to voice

Focuses on the entitlement to express an opinion or feeling.

she had the option to state

Highlights the choice or opportunity to make a statement.

she can communicate

Broadly refers to the ability to convey information.

it was within her power to declare

Emphasizes the authority or capacity to make a declaration.

she is at liberty to disclose

Implies freedom or permission to reveal information.

she was permitted to mention

Indicates that permission was granted to bring something up.

she is capable of uttering

Highlights the ability to physically speak or pronounce something.

FAQs

How can I use "she could say" in a sentence?

You can use "she could say" to express something that someone was capable of saying in a particular situation. For example, "In that situation, "she could say" whatever she felt was necessary to address the issue."

What's the difference between "she could say" and "she can say"?

"She can say" implies a current ability or permission, while "she could say" usually refers to a past possibility or a hypothetical situation. For example, "Now, "she can say" what she wants", versus "Back then, "she could say" something to change the outcome."

What are some alternatives to "she could say"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "she might express", "she was able to articulate", or "she had the option to state".

Is "she could said" grammatically correct?

No, "she could said" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""she could say"". 'Could' is a modal verb and is always followed by the base form of the verb.