which say that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which say that" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used to introduce a clause that provides additional information or clarification about a statement, but it should be rephrased for clarity. Example: "The documents, which say that the project is approved, need to be reviewed."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Collectively, this is consistent with the findings in most studies which say that body shape, skin and facial features are among the most common foci of concern [ 14, 15, 25, 35- 37].

BMC Psychiatry

These are basic rights which say that you can claim asylum if you have suffered persecution".

The Guardian

Under these circumstances we should follow our laws, which say that we should not give a visa.

The New York Times

"I've no doubt they're doing this because they've got some focus groups which say that welfare cuts are popular.

The Guardian

Particularly fervent are technology companies, which say that options are the most effective way to compensate and retain skilled workers.

The New York Times

"This contradicts all [the UK government's] other commitments, which say that girls' education is their biggest priority".

The Guardian

This has brought uproar from developing countries, some of which say that they rely on high international call tariffs to finance the construction of their telephone networks.

The Economist

The industry backs the current rules which say that about a quarter-cup of tomato paste on a slice of pizza can count as a vegetable serving.

The New York Times

The commission has said the deal must respect E.U. rules, which say that the pipeline must not be monopolized by P.G.N.I.G. and Gazprom.

The New York Times

Al Jazeera has published a complete English translation of the Arabic lyrics, which say that "freedom" is a "conspiracy coming from Mars".

The New York Times

West approves of the current UK advertising guidelines, which say that vaping can't be glamorised, but Hazel Cheeseman, director of policy at Ash, is more cautious.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, prioritize clarity by using more direct alternatives to "which say that", such as "that state that" or "that indicate that". This ensures your writing is grammatically sound and easily understood.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the phrase "which say that", especially in formal writing. It's often better to opt for stronger verbs like "state", "indicate", or "stipulate" to improve the precision and professionalism of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which say that" typically functions as a relative clause introducing further information or specification about a preceding noun. However, as Ludwig AI indicates, this construction can be improved for greater grammatical precision. It introduces a clause that attributes a statement or declaration to a particular source or set of rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which say that" is a very common relative clause used to introduce statements or descriptions from a source. However, Ludwig AI points out it is not the most grammatically precise option. While prevalent in news and media sources, it's advisable to use alternatives like "that state that" or "that indicate that" in more formal writing contexts to enhance clarity and professionalism. Therefore, while widely used, consider stronger and more direct phrasing for improved writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that state that

Replaces "which say that" with a more direct and formal verb, "state".

that indicate that

Uses "indicate" instead of "say", suggesting a more subtle conveyance of information.

that assert that

Replaces "say" with "assert", implying a strong declaration or claim.

that stipulate that

Employing "stipulate" introduces a sense of formality and precision, common in legal or contractual contexts.

that suggest that

Substitutes "say" with "suggest", conveying a less direct or conclusive statement.

that explain that

Replaces "say" with "explain", highlighting the function of clarifying or elucidating something.

which stipulate that

Maintains the relative pronoun while using "stipulate", adding precision.

that describe that

Swaps "say" with "describe", focusing on the detailed portrayal of something.

as stated in

Shifts the focus to a passive construction, emphasizing where the information originates.

according to

Attributes the information to a source, often implying reliance on that source's authority.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "which say that"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that state that", "that indicate that", or "that assert that", depending on the context and level of formality you're aiming for.

Is it grammatically correct to use "which say that" in formal writing?

While commonly used, "which say that" is considered less formal and less grammatically precise than alternatives like "that state that" or "which stipulate that". It's generally best to avoid it in formal contexts.

How can I improve my writing by avoiding "which say that"?

Focus on using stronger, more direct verbs that clearly convey the meaning. For example, instead of "rules which say that", try "rules that stipulate that" or "rules that specify that".

What's the difference between "which say that" and "that state that"?

"That state that" is a more concise and grammatically direct way of expressing the same idea as "which say that". The former is generally preferred in formal writing due to its clarity and precision.