what we said

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what we said" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer back to a previous conversation or statement made by you and others. Example: "In our last meeting, we discussed several important points, and I want to clarify what we said about the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Yeah, that's what WE said!

TechCrunch

Quotes what we said.

The New Yorker

That's what we said.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

What we said was true.

The New Yorker

"That is what we said.

Independent

Think about what we said and call.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Do what we say.

The Economist

What we say.

University of California, Berkeley

We do what we say.

The New York Times

"That's what we say".

The New Yorker

"We will do what we say".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what we said", be sure that everyone involved has a clear understanding of the original statement to avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "what we said" without providing sufficient context or clarification, as this can lead to confusion if the audience isn't fully aware of the original statement. Be sure it's absolutely clear which statement you're referencing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what we said" functions as a noun clause, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It refers back to a previously articulated statement, as demonstrated by Ludwig. It's commonly used to reiterate, clarify, or emphasize prior communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what we said" is a commonly used noun clause that refers back to a previously articulated statement. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic settings. While generally neutral in register, it is important to provide adequate context to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives such as "our statement" or "our previous remarks" may be more suitable in certain formal situations. The phrase’s primary purpose is to establish a shared understanding by reinforcing or clarifying prior communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the points we made

Highlights the specific arguments or details presented.

our stated view

Highlights a previously articulated perspective.

our statement

Focuses on the formal declaration made.

what we expressed

Focuses on the act of conveying thoughts or feelings.

our previous remarks

Highlights earlier spoken comments.

our position

Refers to an established viewpoint or stance.

our earlier communication

Emphasizes that the statement was conveyed.

our prior assertions

Emphasizes a declaration made previously.

the things we told you

Specifically refers to something communicated directly to someone.

our declaration

Focuses on the formal aspect of an announcement or statement.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "what we said" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "our previous statement", "as we mentioned before", or "in our prior communication".

When is it appropriate to use "what we said" in writing?

"What we said" is appropriate when referring back to a specific point, agreement, or statement that was previously made by a group or team. It's commonly used in reports, memos, and follow-up communications to reinforce shared understanding.

What's the difference between "what we said" and "what we meant"?

"What we said" refers to the literal words that were spoken or written. "What we meant", on the other hand, refers to the intended meaning or interpretation behind those words, which may not always be clear from the surface.

Is "what we said" too informal for professional communication?

While "what we said" is generally acceptable, for very formal or high-stakes communication, it may be better to opt for a more precise and professional alternative, such as "our stated position" or "our previous assessment".