what does this say

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'what does this say?' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are asking a reader to interpret the meaning of some text. For example: I can't read this strange language - what does this say?.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"What does this say?

The New York Times

What does this say about our country?

The New York Times

What does this say about this moment?

The New Yorker

What does this say about me?

The New Yorker

What does this say about the army?

Independent

What does this say to children?

The Guardian - Opinion

What does this say about human parents?

The Washington Post

So, what does this say about society?

The Guardian

What does this say about perseverance?

The New York Times - Sports

What does this say about our mores?

The Guardian - Tech

What does this say about contemporary photography?

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “what does this say?” when you want someone to interpret a statement, action, or situation. It's appropriate for prompting reflection and deeper understanding.

Common error

While acceptable in general, avoid using “what does this say?” excessively in formal academic papers. Opt for more analytical alternatives like “what are the implications of this?” or “how should this be interpreted?” for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what does this say" functions as an interrogative expression, prompting the listener or reader to provide an interpretation, explanation, or conclusion based on a given piece of information or observation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what does this say" serves as a prompt for interpretation and deeper understanding, functioning as an interrogative expression. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media, and academia. While its register is generally neutral, one should consider more formal alternatives for high-level academic writing. The phrase's ubiquity across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its common usage. When employing "what does this say", aim to stimulate critical thinking and extract the underlying message or implications from the given information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is the meaning of this

Focuses directly on the meaning, suitable when seeking clarification.

what does this imply

Focuses on the implied or suggested meaning rather than the literal one.

how should this be interpreted

Emphasizes the act of interpretation, useful in academic or analytical settings.

what is this supposed to mean

Indicates confusion or skepticism about the intended meaning.

what's the significance of this

Highlights the importance or consequence, appropriate when evaluating impact.

what point is this trying to make

Focuses on identifying the central argument or message.

what are the implications of this

Explores the potential effects or consequences, suitable for strategic discussions.

how does one explain this

Seeks a rational explanation for something potentially puzzling.

what conclusion can be drawn from this

Directs attention towards a logical inference, fitting for analytical reports.

what is the explanation for this

Requests a factual account or reason for something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "what does this say?"

Consider alternatives such as "what does this imply", "how should this be interpreted", or "what is the significance of this" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "what does this say" formal or informal?

The phrase "what does this say" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for very formal or academic writing, more sophisticated alternatives might be preferred.

What's the difference between "what does this say" and "what does this mean"?

While similar, "what does this say" invites interpretation or drawing of conclusions, whereas "what does this mean" seeks a more direct or literal explanation. For example asking "what does this mean" focuses on definition while asking "what does this say" seeks significance.

How to use "what does this say" in a sentence?

You can use "what does this say" to prompt reflection on the meaning or implications of something. For example: "The data shows a decline in sales; "what does this say" about our current marketing strategy?"