they would say

USAGE SUMMARY

"they would say" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that someone else has said or might say in a hypothetical situation. Example: "They would say that the best part of their job is the opportunity to travel and meet new people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"High up," they would say.

The New Yorker

They would say: 'You're embarrassing us.

The New York Times

They would say, 'Oh, yeah, that one.

The New York Times

They would say, How about this?

The New York Times

"Tell the world!" they would say.

The Economist

"They would say, 'Who's your carrier?

The New York Times

"They would say it to everybody".

The New York Times - Sports

"Why scare people off?" they would say.

The New York Times

They would say whatever it takes.

The New York Times

"Finally," they would say to themselves.

The New York Times

"Out," they would say.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they would say" when you want to present a common or expected viewpoint, often to introduce a counterargument or show multiple perspectives. This is especially useful in persuasive writing or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "they would say" when referring to a specific past event where you know exactly what was said. Instead, use "they said" to maintain accurate tense and avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they would say" functions as an introductory device to present a general opinion, hypothetical statement, or a common viewpoint. This introductory phrase often precedes a reported statement, as illustrated by examples Ludwig provides.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they would say" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a common viewpoint, a general opinion, or a hypothetical statement. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and wide usage, primarily in News & Media. While adaptable to various contexts, it's crucial to differentiate its usage from "they said", which refers to a specific past statement. When writing, consider replacing it with alternatives such as "they might state" or "their view is that" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they might state

Replaces "would" with "might" to suggest a possibility rather than a certainty.

they could mention

Substitutes "say" with "mention", softening the assertion.

they'd express

Uses "express" instead of "say", focusing on conveying an opinion or feeling.

they'd remark

Replaces "say" with "remark", indicating a casual observation.

they'd comment

Similar to "remark", but suggests a more formal or official statement.

it's their position that

Transforms the phrase into a more formal declaration of belief or stance.

their view is that

Emphasizes a particular perspective or opinion held by a group.

they are inclined to say

Highlights a tendency or predisposition towards a certain statement.

it is their assertion that

Presents the statement as a firm and confident declaration.

they are of the opinion that

Formally indicates that the statement reflects a shared belief or judgment.

FAQs

How do I use "they would say" in a sentence?

Use "they would say" to introduce a general opinion or a hypothetical statement that people might make. For example, "Regarding the new policy, "they would say" it increases efficiency but reduces flexibility".

What's a more formal alternative to "they would say"?

In formal contexts, you can use phrases like "it is their assertion that" or "their view is that" to convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

Is "they would say" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "they would say" is acceptable in academic writing, especially when discussing common viewpoints or anticipating potential counterarguments. However, ensure the source of the viewpoint is clear and, if possible, supported by evidence.

What's the difference between "they said" and "they would say"?

"They said" refers to a specific statement made in the past, while "they would say" presents a general or hypothetical statement that people might typically make in a given situation. Use "they said" for concrete instances and ""they would say"" for generalized or potential statements.