they said

USAGE SUMMARY

"they said" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when quoting something word-for-word that someone has said. For example, "They said, 'We will be there at 7pm.'".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They said, "Gov.

The New Yorker

"Please," they said.

The New York Times - Magazine

'Come,' they said.

The New Yorker

They said nothing else.

The New Yorker

They said it was.

The New York Times

"Woah," they said, together.

The New Yorker

"Welcome," they said.

The New York Times - Travel

They said they would.

The New York Times

"They said: 'Stop.

The New York Times

Joe Morgan, they said.

The New Yorker

"BELOVED SON," they said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your phrasing. While "they said" is perfectly acceptable, using synonyms like "they stated", "they noted", or "they reported" can make your writing more engaging and avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "they said" without specifying who "they" are. Unclear attribution can damage credibility and make your writing seem vague or unsubstantiated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they said" functions as an reporting verb phrase, used to attribute a statement or utterance to a group of people. It introduces direct or indirect speech, indicating that the information is sourced from a collective entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they said" is a grammatically sound and highly versatile reporting verb phrase used to attribute statements or information to a group. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage. Predominantly found in news and media, "they said" maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for various contexts. When using "they said", ensure clarity by specifying who "they" refers to and consider using synonyms to enhance your writing. Overall, this phrase is a reliable tool for conveying information and attributing it to collective sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they reported

This alternative emphasizes the act of conveying information, typically in a formal context.

they stated

This alternative conveys a more formal tone and suggests a deliberate declaration.

they noted

This alternative suggests an observation or acknowledgement of a fact.

they announced

This alternative implies a formal or public declaration of something.

they mentioned

This alternative implies a casual or brief reference to something.

they explained

This alternative emphasizes the provision of reasons or details about something.

they remarked

This alternative implies a comment or observation, often expressing an opinion.

they indicated

This alternative suggests a subtle or indirect communication of information.

they claimed

This alternative suggests an assertion of something as a fact, often implying doubt or skepticism.

they revealed

This alternative suggests the disclosure of something previously unknown or secret.

FAQs

How can I use "they said" in a sentence?

Use "they said" to report what a group of people expressed, for example, "They said it was a successful project".

What are some alternatives to "they said"?

You can use alternatives like "they stated", "they mentioned", or "they reported" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify who "they" are when using "they said"?

Yes, it's best practice to specify who "they" are to avoid ambiguity and maintain clarity. If the context makes it obvious, it might be acceptable to omit the specification, but clear attribution is generally preferred.

What is the difference between "they said" and "he/she said"?

"They said" is used when referring to a group of people, while "he/she said" is used when referring to a single person. For example, "They said no" (referring to a group) versus "He said no" (referring to an individual).