were said

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were said" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that was stated or expressed by someone in the past. Example: "The rumors about the new policy were said to have originated from an anonymous source."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The tests were said to be inconclusive.

The New York Times

Only five were said to be alive.

The New Yorker

Six were said to have been detained.

The New York Times

Both were said to be in hospital.

Independent

Both were said to be adult men.

The New York Times

Prayers were said, candles lighted.

The New York Times

After the tree was in the ground, words were said.

Yale University

The negotiations were said to be simple.

The Guardian - Opinion

The things that were said about me.

The Washington Post

The targets were said to have disappeared.

The New York Times

Potato peels were said to be given to pigs either raw or boiled by 46% of the farmers.

Veterinary Parasitology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were said", ensure the context clearly indicates who made the statement, even if it's implied. This adds clarity and credibility to your writing.

Common error

While "were said" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing passive voice. Opt for active voice when possible to make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The results were said to be encouraging", consider "Researchers stated the results were encouraging".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were said" functions primarily as a passive reporting verb construction. This means it's used to convey information that has been stated, claimed, or reported by someone, where the focus is more on the information itself rather than the speaker. Ludwig AI confirms that "were said" is suitable for expressing indirect speech or reported claims.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

30%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were said" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed passive construction used to report statements or claims, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and scientific contexts, it serves to relay information objectively, without necessarily endorsing it. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider direct, active phrasing for more impactful writing. Alternatives like "were reported" or "were claimed" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. By understanding its proper usage, writers can effectively convey information while maintaining clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were reported

Emphasizes the act of reporting information.

were stated

Highlights a formal declaration or announcement.

were alleged

Indicates an assertion without proof, implying uncertainty.

were claimed

Suggests an assertion that may be disputed or unverified.

were rumored

Implies the information is circulating informally and may not be accurate.

were understood

Focuses on a shared understanding or interpretation.

were believed

Indicates a widely held belief or opinion.

it was mentioned that

Provides a more verbose way of indicating something was brought up.

it has been noted

Highlights that something was formally observed or documented.

it was expressed that

Focuses on conveying opinions or feelings through words.

FAQs

How can I use "were said" in a sentence?

Use "were said" to report what others have stated or claimed, often when the original source is less important than the information itself. Example: "The negotiations "were said to" be simple".

What phrases are similar to "were said"?

Alternatives include phrases like "were reported", "were stated", or "were claimed", each carrying slightly different connotations regarding the certainty or source of the information.

Is "were said" formal or informal?

"Were said" is suitable for neutral and formal contexts, such as news reporting or academic writing. However, more direct phrasing might be preferred in very informal situations.

When should I avoid using "were said"?

Avoid using "were said" if you can clearly and directly state who said something. Overuse of passive constructions like "were said" can make writing sound vague or evasive. Instead of "Hard things "were said"," be direct: "Boulton remembers, 'Hard things were said'."