that was said

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was said" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a statement that someone has already made. For example: "The professor said that the earth is round, and that was said centuries ago."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I can't recall every single word that was said.

The New York Times

I don't think there was anything special that was said.

The Guardian

"What a great ride that was," said a grinning Garriott.

The Guardian

Everyone in the room could hear everything that was said.

The New Yorker

This episode was recalled during Matins, the canonical hour that was said together with Lauds before sunrise.

Cornell University

With Telephone a person tries hard to repeat verbatim a phrase that was said before.

The New York Times

Did anything that was said "move the needle" on either campaign?

The New York Times

"Everything that was said about this group before the competition is nonsense," he added.

The New York Times - Sports

The ladies in the audience laughed at practically everything that was said.

The New Yorker

Indeed, Cicero wrote of a similar mechanism that was said to have been built by Archimedes.

Nature

"Smirking" was probably the kindest thing that was said about Sandmann.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that was said", ensure the context makes it clear what you are referring to. Avoid ambiguity by providing enough information for the reader to understand the original statement.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying too heavily on passive voice constructions like "that was said" can make your writing sound less direct and engaging. Try to rephrase the sentence to use an active voice when possible, which often makes the sentence more impactful and clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was said" functions as a passive construction used to refer to a previously made statement. It allows the speaker or writer to focus on the statement itself, rather than the person who made it. This is confirmed by Ludwig's examples, which show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

21%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that was said" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used passive phrase that refers to a previously made statement. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in news, scientific and academic contexts. When using "that was said", it is best practice to ensure there is no ambiguity regarding the original statement. If you want to add variety to your writing, you can also try using alternatives, such as "what was expressed".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what was expressed

Focuses on the act of expressing something, rather than the saying of it. Emphasizes the content conveyed.

what had been stated

Implies a more formal or official declaration compared to "that was said".

what was communicated

Highlights the act of conveying information. Suitable when the method of communication is relevant.

what was voiced

Similar to 'what was expressed', but often implies a more direct or personal statement.

the aforementioned statement

Refers back to a statement mentioned earlier, often in formal writing. More concise but less conversational.

the point articulated

Highlights a specific idea or argument that was expressed. Useful in academic or argumentative contexts.

the remark made

Emphasizes a specific comment or observation. Best for informal settings.

what transpired in speech

A more formal alternative, suitable when the context involves a discussion or exchange.

the declaration issued

Suggests an official or formal announcement. Not suitable for casual conversation.

the words uttered

Emphasizes the physical act of speaking the words. Can be more dramatic or impactful.

FAQs

How can I use "that was said" in a sentence?

Use "that was said" to refer to something someone previously mentioned, like, "He denied the accusations, but "that was said" during the investigation."

What are some alternatives to "that was said"?

You can use alternatives such as "what was expressed", "what had been stated", or "the aforementioned statement", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "that was said"?

It's appropriate to use "that was said" when you want to refer back to a statement that has already been made in a conversation, document, or other form of communication.

Is there a difference between "that was said" and "what was said"?

"That was said" typically refers to a specific, previously mentioned statement. "What was said" is more general and can refer to the overall content of a conversation or discussion. An example is: "That was said about the budget cuts earlier" compared to "I'm not sure I agree with "what was said" during that meeting".