so to say

USAGE SUMMARY

"so to say" is correct and it can be used in written English.
It is an expression used to indicate that you are about to express an opinion or describe something in a figurative, rather than literal, way. Example: John is an excellent cook—a gourmet chef, so to say.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Shrine, so to say".

The New Yorker

Disputed temple, so to say".

The New Yorker

"You prepared the ground, so to say.

The New Yorker

The cupboard is bare, so to say".

Independent

"That keeps it healthy, so to say.

The Guardian

I mean, for my own sanity, so to say.

The New York Times - Sports

"So to say we're jubilant now is an understatement".

The New York Times

He said the research explains how groups are regulated entities, so to say.

Stanford University

Now, so to say, they threw off the reins and let loose their fury.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

When had he ceased to fear death — or, so to say, to grasp it?

The New Yorker

They thought that time-sharing was a waste of time, so to say.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so to say" to signal that you are using a non-literal or approximate expression. This helps your audience understand your intended meaning when your words might not be precise.

Common error

Avoid using "so to say" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound hesitant or unsure. Instead, vary your language with alternatives like "in a manner of speaking" or "as it were" to maintain clarity and confidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so to say" functions as a qualifier, indicating that the speaker is using an expression in a non-literal or approximate sense. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common use. It serves to soften the impact of a statement or to acknowledge its potential inaccuracy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

33%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "so to say" is a versatile qualifier used to signal a non-literal or approximate expression. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While its register is generally neutral, it's best to avoid overuse to maintain clarity and confidence in your writing. Consider alternatives like "in a manner of speaking" or "as it were" to add nuance and avoid sounding repetitive. Remember that the goal is to ensure that your intended meaning is clear to your audience when your words might not be precise, which is the main goal of the phrase "so to say".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

so to speak

Very close synonym, indicating a non-literal interpretation.

in a manner of speaking

Emphasizes the way something is expressed rather than its literal truth.

as it were

A more formal way of indicating that the following words are not entirely accurate.

if you will

Suggests the listener may or may not agree with the speaker's choice of words.

sort of

Indicates that something is approximately or vaguely true.

kind of

Similar to 'sort of', implying a degree of approximation.

in a sense

Indicates that something is true from a particular point of view.

you might say

Invites the listener to consider the speaker's perspective.

in a figurative way

Explicitly states that the expression is not meant to be taken literally.

to put it another way

Suggests a rephrasing for clarity or emphasis.

FAQs

How is "so to say" used in a sentence?

"So to say" is used to indicate that you are using a non-literal or approximate expression. For example, "He's a visionary, "so to say", always thinking of the future."

What phrases are similar to "so to say"?

Similar phrases include "so to speak", "in a manner of speaking", and "as it were". These phrases all signal that the expression being used is not entirely accurate or literal.

Is it better to use "so to say" or "so to speak"?

"So to say" and "so to speak" are interchangeable. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or the rhythm of the sentence.

When should I avoid using "so to say"?

Avoid using "so to say" in formal writing where precise language is essential. In such contexts, it is better to use more direct and unambiguous language.