when I say

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when I say" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to clarify or emphasize a statement or instruction that follows. Example: "When I say we need to act quickly, I mean we should start the project immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"When I say lied, I mean it.

The New York Times

But why precisely now, when I say.

The New Yorker

When I say "Missoura," they go crazy.

The New York Times - Magazine

"When I say that they are mad.

Independent

When I say irrevocably, I mean it.

The New York Times

"When I say everything I mean everything".

The New Yorker

When I say: "Marriage?

The New York Times

When I say gay, I mean... retarded".

Independent

He always laughs when I say 'macho'macho

The Guardian - Music

"When I say no, I mean no.

The New Yorker

When I say property is money I mean it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "when I say" to add emphasis or conviction to a statement, signaling that you are not using the term casually.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "when I say", as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your sentence structure by using alternative phrases like "what I mean is" or "to clarify".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "when I say" is to introduce a subordinate clause that provides clarification or explanation. Ludwig examples show it used across diverse contexts to specify the speaker's intended meaning. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "when I say" is a grammatically sound and widely used construction, primarily functioning to clarify or emphasize a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to ensure clear communication by explicitly stating the intended meaning. While versatile and suitable for many contexts, including news and media, overuse should be avoided to maintain writing fluency. Consider alternative phrases such as "what I mean is" to enrich your expression. "When I say", aim for clarity and conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what I mean is

Directly clarifies the speaker's intended meaning, often used after an initial statement.

by that I mean

Used to elaborate on a previous statement, providing further explanation.

when I mention

Focuses on the act of bringing something to someone's attention rather than emphasizing the speaker's intended meaning.

when I indicate

Emphasizes the act of pointing something out, often more formal than "when I say".

when I assert

Conveys a strong declaration or affirmation, adding a level of certainty.

when I specify

Highlights the act of providing detailed information or a precise definition.

when I articulate

Focuses on expressing something clearly and effectively.

when I define

Emphasizes the act of providing a formal definition or explanation.

when I explain

Highlights the act of making something clear and understandable.

if I state

Introduces a conditional element, suggesting the following statement is subject to certain conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "when I say" in a sentence?

The phrase "when I say" is used to clarify or emphasize a particular point. For example, "When I say quickly, I mean within the next hour."

What's a more formal way to phrase "when I say"?

Alternatives to "when I say" include more formal options like "when I stipulate" or "when I articulate", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What can I say instead of "when I say" to avoid repetition?

To avoid repetition, you could use phrases like "what I mean is", "by that I mean", or "to clarify", depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "when I say"?

While generally correct, overuse of "when I say" can make writing sound repetitive. Try to vary your phrasing by using alternative expressions to introduce clarifications or emphasize points.