truly saying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "truly saying" is not correct in standard written English.
It is not commonly used and may confuse readers; a more appropriate phrase would be "to truly say" or "truly speaking." Example: "To truly say that I understand your feelings would be an understatement."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"Maybe except for yours truly saying, 'I told you this is going to be funny, and if you pay attention, you just might learn something'".

Independent

To make it all even worse, the English team was robbed of an obvious goal by perhaps the worst refereeing gaffe of the tournament, which, considering the ample selection, is truly saying something.

The New York Times

Jolie is by now surely used to having certain parts of her body scrutinised by the media – more than most other female celebrities, in fact, and that is truly saying something.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is perhaps the most remarkable example of political folly, combined with political delusion and a healthy dose of political surrealism, that Washington has seen in quite some time – and that is truly saying something.

The Guardian - Opinion

In fact, it is actually possible to notice a small speed difference between the Nexus 5 and the already very fast HTC One or Samsung Galaxy S4 in general usage, which is truly saying something.

The Guardian - Tech

Alphabet's earnings were stellar, and that is truly saying something.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Who can truly say?

The Guardian

But nobody can truly say yea or nay yet.

The Economist

I can truly say I love my job".

The New York Times - Sports

And this summer Bard can truly say, wait till next year.

The New York Times - Arts

But really, only one food truly says summer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "truly saying" in formal writing. Opt for grammatically correct alternatives like "to truly say" or "honestly stating" to ensure clarity and professionalism.

Common error

Do not use "truly saying" as a present participle when a simple infinitive or another verb form is more appropriate. For example, instead of "He was truly saying goodbye", use "He was truly saying farewell" or "He was honestly saying goodbye."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "truly saying" functions as a verbal phrase, but its grammatical correctness is questionable. It attempts to modify the verb "saying" with the adverb "truly". Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is not correct in standard written English. The primary grammatical function would be to emphasize the truthfulness of the act of saying, if used correctly.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "truly saying" appears in various sources, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect and non-standard. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment, suggesting that more appropriate alternatives should be used in formal writing. The intended purpose is to emphasize sincerity or truthfulness, but the unconventional usage may undermine clarity. To avoid ambiguity and maintain professionalism, opt for alternatives such as "to truly say", "honestly stating", or "genuinely expressing". These choices enhance the credibility and impact of your writing by ensuring grammatical correctness and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to truly say

Corrects the grammatical structure while retaining a similar meaning.

truly stating

Replaces "saying" with "stating", emphasizing a formal declaration or assertion.

honestly expressing

Focuses on the sincerity and genuineness of the expression.

genuinely conveying

Highlights the authenticity of the message being communicated.

accurately depicting

Emphasizes the factual correctness of the representation.

sincerely articulating

Suggests a thoughtful and heartfelt expression of an idea or feeling.

truthfully communicating

Highlights the aspect of truth in the message being conveyed.

authentically representing

Focuses on the genuine and unadulterated portrayal of something.

veritably affirming

Emphasizes the truth and certainty of the affirmation.

really meaning

Emphasizes the actual intention behind the words.

FAQs

What's a more grammatically sound alternative to "truly saying"?

Consider using phrases like "to truly say", "honestly stating", or "genuinely expressing". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "truly saying"?

While "truly saying" is not considered standard English, it might appear in informal speech or creative writing. However, it's generally advisable to use more grammatically correct alternatives in formal contexts.

How can I replace "truly saying" to emphasize sincerity?

You can use phrases like "sincerely articulating" or "honestly expressing" to highlight the genuineness of your statement.

Is there a difference between "truly saying" and "to truly say"?

"Truly saying" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. "To truly say" is a more acceptable form that adheres to standard English grammar.