was quoted as saying

USAGE SUMMARY

"was quoted as saying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are citing someone's words and giving the source, such as a newspaper article or an interview where the person said something. For example, "The mayor was quoted as saying, 'We must work together to create a brighter future for our city.'".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We're bleeding," she was quoted as saying.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's impossible," he was quoted as saying.

The New York Times

"No, no," he was quoted as saying.

The New York Times

"He just writes things down," Nikolai was quoted as saying.

The New Yorker

"It's funny," Sergeant Hultz was quoted as saying.

The New York Times

"He did a great thing," she was quoted as saying.

The New York Times

One witness was quoted as saying, "He just gave up.

The New Yorker

It's stuck," Munsterman was quoted as saying by De Telegraaf.

Independent

"I'll go after you," he was quoted as saying.

The New York Times

The money doesn't seem real, Noyce was quoted as saying.

The New York Times

"I am serious," he was quoted as saying.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For increased clarity, attribute the quote immediately before or after presenting it. This minimizes ambiguity and emphasizes the source of the information.

Common error

Avoid using "was quoted as saying" when you are paraphrasing or summarizing someone's statement. This phrase should only be used for direct quotations to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was quoted as saying" functions as a reporting verb phrase used to introduce direct quotations. It serves to attribute specific statements to a particular source, signaling to the reader that the words following the phrase are the exact words spoken or written by the individual in question. Ludwig AI validates its proper use in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Wiki

5%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was quoted as saying" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to introduce direct quotations, ensuring accurate attribution and adding credibility to written content. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. When using this phrase, prioritize accuracy and reliable sources to avoid misattribution. Consider alternatives such as "stated that" or "remarked that" for varied writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stated that

This is a more direct way of reporting someone's words, omitting the "quoted" aspect.

remarked that

This suggests the statement was a casual observation or comment.

noted that

This implies the statement highlights a particular point or fact.

commented that

This suggests a brief opinion or reaction was given.

mentioned that

This indicates the statement was brought up in passing, not necessarily as a main point.

pointed out that

This suggests the statement clarifies something or draws attention to a specific detail.

observed that

Similar to 'noted', but more focused on direct sensory information or empirical evidence.

explained that

This indicates the statement provides a reason or justification for something.

in his/her words

This emphasizes that the following is a direct representation of the speaker's original statement.

according to

This is a broader attribution, not necessarily a direct quote.

FAQs

How do I properly use "was quoted as saying" in a sentence?

Use "was quoted as saying" to introduce a direct quote from a source. For example, "The president "was quoted as saying", 'We will address this issue immediately.'"

What alternatives can I use instead of "was quoted as saying"?

Alternatives include "stated that", "remarked that", or "according to", depending on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "was quoted as saying" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "was quoted as saying" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in journalism, academic papers, and official reports where accurate attribution is essential.

What is the difference between "was quoted as saying" and "said"?

"Said" is a simple attribution, while "was quoted as saying" emphasizes that the exact words are being reproduced. The latter is often used to highlight the importance or impact of the specific phrasing used by the source.