will you say

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "will you say" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking someone to express or articulate something, often in a polite or formal context. Example: "If you have any concerns about the project, will you say them now so we can address them?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

What will you say?

The New York Times

What will you say to these people?

University of California, Berkeley

"O.K., but what will you say?

The New York Times - Magazine

When that day comes, what will you say?

Cornell University

What will you say to your children or grandchildren?

The New York Times - Magazine

"Who will you say is the father?" he says.

The New Yorker

Will you say it again?" and Doug replies: "Some other time.

The New York Times - Books

What will you say or do to try to influence the outcome?

Harvard University

Will you say now whether this is true or whether it is a misunderstanding?

Yale University

What will you say as you wave goodbye to the TV cameras on Earth?

The Guardian

Will you say: 'It's fine because I really needed the medication.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "will you say", ensure the context clearly indicates what the person is expected to respond to. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "will you say" without a clear reference to the situation or question prompting the response. Without context, the phrase can sound vague and confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will you say" primarily functions as an interrogative expression, used to inquire about someone's intended words or response in a hypothetical or future situation. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Examples show its usage in scenarios ranging from personal decisions to professional statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

22%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Science

9%

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "will you say" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase employed to inquire about someone's intended response in a particular situation. Ludwig's analysis confirms its widespread use across various contexts, from news and media to academic settings. While generally neutral in register, its formality can be adjusted by the surrounding context. When using this phrase, ensure the scenario is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. As verified by Ludwig, the expression is reliable and effective for eliciting information about future verbal responses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what will be your answer

Highlights the response to a question or inquiry.

what are you going to say

A more direct and informal way of asking the same question.

what response will you give

Focuses on the act of providing a response rather than just saying something.

how will you respond

Shifts the focus to the manner in which someone will answer.

what is your reply

Emphasizes a formal or official response.

what words will you use

Highlights the specific language that will be employed.

what statement will you make

Implies a formal declaration or announcement.

how will you articulate

Suggests a more thoughtful and eloquent expression.

what explanation will you offer

Focuses on providing a reason or justification.

how are you going to put it

An informal way of asking how someone will phrase something, often implying a delicate situation.

FAQs

How can I use "will you say" in a sentence?

You can use "will you say" to ask someone what their response will be in a specific situation. For example, "If they offer you the job, "will you say" yes?"

What's a more formal alternative to "will you say"?

More formal alternatives include phrases like "how "will you respond"?" or "what "statement will you make"?", which are suitable for professional or academic settings.

Is it correct to use "will you say" in both questions and statements?

"Will you say" is primarily used in question form to inquire about a future response. It is not typically used in declarative statements.

What's the difference between "what will you say" and "how will you say it"?

"What will you say" asks about the content of the response, while "how will you say it" focuses on the manner or tone of the response. The former is about substance, the latter about style.