to be said

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be said" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is expected or intended to be expressed or articulated. Example: "There are many things to be said about the importance of education in today's society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

That needs to be said.

The New York Times - Sports

"No need to be", said the farmer.

The New Yorker

Nevertheless, it needs to be said.

The New York Times

Nothing more needed to be said.

The New York Times - Sports

No more needs to be said.

Independent

I think that has to be said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

"Now what?" she seemed to be saying.

The New Yorker

"Here," she seemed to be saying.

The New Yorker

You need to be, say, Ingersoll-Rand.

The New Yorker

"Fooled you!" Michelson seemed to be saying.

The New Yorker

"This, too," she seemed to be saying.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be said" when you want to emphasize that something needs to be communicated, often due to its importance or relevance. For instance: "The truth needs to be said, no matter how uncomfortable."

Common error

Avoid using "to be said" excessively in passive voice constructions, as it can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Instead, consider active voice alternatives for a more direct and engaging tone. For instance, instead of "It has to be said", try "I must say it."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to be said" is to form a passive infinitive, indicating that something needs or should be expressed or communicated. Ludwig highlights numerous examples where this phrase emphasizes the importance of conveying information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be said" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive infinitive construction. Ludwig confirms its common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and wiki sources. It serves to emphasize the importance or necessity of communicating specific information. While generally neutral in register, it's important to avoid overuse in passive constructions to maintain a strong and direct writing style. Alternatives such as "to be expressed" or "to be articulated" can provide nuanced variations depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be expressed

Focuses on the act of conveying a thought or feeling.

to be articulated

Emphasizes clear and precise communication.

to be communicated

Highlights the transmission of information.

to be mentioned

Indicates something brought up in conversation or writing.

to be stated

Suggests a formal declaration or announcement.

to be remarked

Implies a casual observation or comment.

to be noted

Focuses on something worthy of attention or recording.

to be divulged

Suggests revealing something previously unknown or secret.

to be disclosed

Implies making information public, often officially.

to be uttered

Highlights the act of speaking, often in a formal or deliberate manner.

FAQs

How can I use "to be said" in a sentence?

You can use "to be said" to indicate something that needs to be expressed or communicated. For example: "There is much "to be said" about the benefits of exercise".

What are some alternatives to "to be said"?

Alternatives include phrases like "to be expressed", "to be articulated", or "to be communicated", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "to be said"?

It is appropriate to use "to be said" when you want to emphasize the necessity or importance of communicating something. It's often used when the information is crucial or has been previously unacknowledged.

Is there a difference between "to be said" and "to say"?

"To say" is an active infinitive, while "to be said" is a passive infinitive. "To say" indicates the act of speaking or expressing, whereas "to be said" implies that something is going to be or needs to be communicated by someone.