what he said

USAGE SUMMARY

'what he said' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are wanting to refer to something that someone has stated. For example: I was surprised by what he said about the upcoming election.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Of what?" he said.

The New Yorker

"What?" he said, alarmed.

The New Yorker

Here's what he said.

The Guardian

So what?" he said.

The New Yorker

Then what?" he said.

The New York Times

Tells what he said.

The New Yorker

"Confide what?" he said.

The New Yorker

Quotes what he said.

The New Yorker

"Guess what?" he said.

The New York Times

That's what he said".

The New York Times - Food

"For what?" he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure. While "what he said" is useful, alternatives like "his statement" or "his remarks" can add stylistic variety to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "what he said" without first establishing what "he" actually said. Ensure the reader or listener has the necessary context to understand the reference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what he said" functions as a noun clause, acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It refers to a specific statement made by a male individual, and Ludwig confirms that it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what he said" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to reference a previous statement, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a noun clause with a neutral register, commonly appearing in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's essential to provide sufficient context for clarity. Alternative phrases like "his statement" or "his words" can add stylistic variety. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, making it a reliable choice for everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what he mentioned

Highlights the act of mentioning something, often in passing or briefly.

the remark he made

Focuses on a specific remark or comment.

his statement

Refers directly to a specific statement made by someone. Less conversational.

his words

Emphasizes the specific words used, can also imply a broader message or sentiment.

what he expressed

Highlights the conveying of thoughts or feelings.

the things he stated

More formal and emphasizes the act of stating something as a fact or opinion.

the point he made

Focuses on the central idea or argument conveyed.

his commentary

Implies a more detailed or analytical statement.

as he put it

Draws attention to the speaker's specific phrasing or style of expression.

his declaration

Suggests a formal or official announcement.

FAQs

How can I use "what he said" in a sentence?

Use "what he said" to refer back to a previous statement made by someone. For example, "I agree with "what he said" about the importance of education".

What are some alternatives to "what he said"?

Alternatives include "his statement", "his words", or "the remark he made", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "what he said" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "what he said" can sound informal. In formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "his assertion" or "the points he raised".

Can "what he said" be used to refer to something someone wrote?

While primarily used for spoken words, "what he said" can sometimes be used to refer to something someone wrote, especially if it's being quoted or discussed in a conversational manner. However, alternatives like "what he wrote" are generally more accurate in that context.