uttered the phrase

USAGE SUMMARY

"uttered the phrase" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing someone speaking or expressing a specific statement. Example: She uttered the phrase "I will always remember." Alternative expressions include "said the phrase" and "expressed the phrase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In all, he uttered the phrase more than thirty times.

The New Yorker

Several times, he uttered the phrase "off the record, but you can use it".

The New Yorker

Yet Barnum never uttered the phrase that has been so famously attributed to him.

The Washington Post

He uttered the phrase "Hi, Bob" 118 times during the sitcom's run from 1972 to 1978.

The Washington Post

Prachanda says he has not uttered the phrase since campaigning began.

The New York Times

It didn't matter that he said he never uttered the phrase.

The New York Times

As Ms. Squires remembered it, he had her when he uttered the phrase "global hegemony".

The New York Times

The commentators on US television have already uttered the phrase "McIlroy at Congressional".

The Guardian - Sport

However, Twitter users were barely able to believe Cameron had uttered the phrase in its original London dialect.

The Guardian

In remarks Thursday afternoon, the prime minister, Dmitri A. Medvedev, uttered the phrase "nuclear weapons" in a reference to the United States.

The New York Times

It was during that interview that he uttered the phrase that his rivals now regularly use against him: "I will be held accountable".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "uttered the phrase" when you want to emphasize the act of speaking a particular set of words, especially when those words are significant or memorable.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "uttered the phrase" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "said" or "mentioned" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "uttered the phrase" is as a verb phrase, where 'uttered' is the main verb in the past tense and 'the phrase' is the direct object. Ludwig shows that this construction is used to describe the act of someone speaking a specific set of words.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Academia

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uttered the phrase" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of speaking a specific set of words. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and most frequently found in News & Media contexts. While appropriate for formal writing, simpler alternatives like "said" might be preferable in casual conversation. Remember to reserve "uttered the phrase" for situations where the specific wording carries significance. Ludwig AI confirms the reliability and usability of this phrase across various reputable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spoke the words

Focuses on the act of speaking specific words, maintaining a high degree of semantic similarity.

said the expression

Replaces "uttered" with "said" and "phrase" with "expression", offering a slightly more casual alternative.

articulated the saying

Emphasizes clarity and precision in the delivery of a well-known saying.

voiced the statement

Highlights the act of giving voice to a specific statement or declaration.

expressed the sentiment

Shifts the focus to the underlying feeling or opinion being conveyed.

proclaimed the slogan

Implies a more forceful and public declaration of a specific slogan.

recited the line

Suggests a formal or rehearsed delivery of a particular line, as in a play or poem.

delivered the remark

Focuses on the act of making a specific remark or comment, often in a formal setting.

vocalized the idea

Emphasizes the act of giving audible form to a particular idea or concept.

intoned the mantra

Suggests a repeated and often ritualistic utterance of a particular mantra or phrase.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "uttered the phrase" for variety?

Consider alternatives such as "spoke the words", "said the expression", or "voiced the statement", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "uttered the phrase" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, in most casual conversations, "uttered the phrase" can sound stilted. Simpler verbs like "said", "mentioned", or "remarked" are often more appropriate.

What's the difference between "uttered the phrase" and "said the phrase"?

"Uttered the phrase" often implies a more deliberate or significant act of speaking, whereas "said the phrase" is a more neutral and common way to describe someone speaking.

In what contexts is "uttered the phrase" most appropriate?

"Uttered the phrase" is well-suited for formal writing, news reporting, or situations where the specific wording is crucial or memorable, adding weight to the statement.