the note said

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the note said" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring back to what was written in a note. For example, "The note said to be at the meeting at 3:00, so I'm heading out now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

the note said.

The New York Times

Take him back, the note said.

The New York Times

"Met your friend Audrey," the note said.

The New Yorker

"Stay strong," the note said.

The New York Times

"Please write," the note said.

The New York Times - Books

The note said Tommy was constantly nauseated.

The New York Times - Health

Schwarz is closed," the note said.

The New York Times

"The note said he'd taken the boat.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Do not lose courage," the note said.

The Guardian

The lady is still wondering what the note said.

The New Yorker

"Verify Concern – Determine Related Symptoms – Analyze," the note said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider varying your phrasing to avoid repetition; alternatives like "the message indicated" or "according to the note" can add variety.

Common error

Avoid using "the note said" when the information actually comes from a different source mentioned within the note. Make sure the note is the direct source of the statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the note said" functions as a reporting clause, introducing information directly attributed to a written note. Ludwig confirms this is a standard and accepted way to reference the content of a note.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the note said" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for reporting the contents of a note. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and understandable. While primarily found in news and media contexts, remember that alternative phrases such as "according to the note" or "the message indicated" can offer greater formality or precision. When using "the note said", ensure clarity regarding which note you are referencing, and avoid misattributing information. By keeping these points in mind, you can effectively and accurately communicate the content of written notes in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the text read

Focuses on the literal reading of the note's content.

according to the note

Attributes the information directly to the note as a source.

the message indicated

Emphasizes the informational aspect of the communication.

the note mentioned

Highlights that the note touched upon a particular subject.

the document stated

Suggests a more official or formal written piece.

the writing conveyed

Focuses on the act of writing and its expressive power.

as the note explained

Highlights the note's role in providing an explanation.

the letter expressed

Highlights the emotional or personal aspect of the written content.

the memo specified

Implies a formal or business context.

it was written in the note

More descriptive and less direct than the original phrase.

FAQs

How can I use "the note said" in a sentence?

Use "the note said" to introduce a direct quote or summary of what was written in a note. For example, "When I opened the envelope, "the note said", 'Congratulations!'"

What are some alternatives to "the note said"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "according to the note", "the message indicated", or "the text read".

Is it grammatically correct to say "the note said"?

Yes, "the note said" is grammatically correct. It uses a subject ("the note") and a verb ("said") in a standard sentence structure.

Can I use "the note said" in formal writing?

While "the note said" is acceptable, more formal alternatives like "the document stated" or "according to the note" might be preferable in academic or professional contexts. The best choice depends on the overall tone and audience.