the message says

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the message says" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referencing what an external source, such as a document, letter, text, or email, is saying. For example, "The message says this meeting has been cancelled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Let's meet on the Mexican side," the message says.

The New York Times

The message says that the money will be given away at midnight of an unspecified day.

Independent

"We need your help to stop the murder of Palestinian women and children," the message says.

The New York Times

The message says that the Administration needs to reconsider tactics to generate that pressure.

The New Yorker

The message says, "It's not me, it's definitely you" or "It's like I'm living in some sort of unwakeable nightmare".

The New Yorker

"In the coming weeks and months, we will develop and implement additional policy and processing instructions," the message says.

The New York Times

If they can wait another eight days, the message says, the scores will be available free, online and by mail.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The "race is tightening," the message said.

The New York Times

"He looked really sick," the message said.

The New Yorker

This is Charlie Rangel," the message said.

The New York Times

The message said: I am an orphan.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the message says", ensure the context clearly identifies which message you are referring to. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the source or sender of the message.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences like "It was said in the message that..." Opt for the more direct and active construction, "The message says..." for clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "the message says" is to report information or quote directly from a written communication. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is used extensively in news and media, as well as formal business contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the message says" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to report information directly from a written source. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for a wide range of contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the message's origin. Consider related alternatives like "the communication indicates" for more formal settings. Avoid overuse of passive voice and be mindful of tense consistency to enhance your writing. "The message says" serves as a versatile tool for relaying details from a variety of communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the communication indicates

Replaces "message" with a more formal term and "says" with a synonym indicating direction.

the information conveys

Uses "information" instead of "message" and replaces "says" with a synonym emphasizing transmission.

the announcement states

Substitutes "message" with "announcement", implying a public declaration, and "says" with "states".

it is written in the message

Changes the structure to emphasize the written aspect of the message.

the note expresses

Replaces "message" with "note", suggesting a less formal communication, and "says" with "expresses".

the report reveals

Uses "report" instead of "message", implying a more formal and detailed communication, and "says" with "reveals".

according to the message

Shifts the focus to attribute the information directly to the message itself.

the letter details

Replaces "message" with "letter", specifying the medium, and "says" with "details".

as the message indicates

Emphasizes that the message is providing an indication or sign.

the document specifies

Uses "document" instead of "message", suggesting a formal written record, and "says" with "specifies".

FAQs

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

Use "the message says" to report information directly from a communication, such as "The message says the meeting is postponed."

What are some alternatives to "the message says"?

Alternatives include "the message indicates", "the message states", or "according to the message", depending on the context.

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

"The message says" is generally preferred for present tense or ongoing relevance, while "the message stated" is used for past tense or completed actions.

How formal is the phrase "the message says"?

"The message says" is generally neutral in tone and suitable for most contexts, but for more formal writing, consider alternatives like "the communication indicates".