you say

USAGE SUMMARY

"you say" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can express agreement with something someone has said by expressing "you say" in response, or to introduce a quotation of something someone else has said. For example: "I think it's better to take the bus." "You say," replied Jane, "but I think it would be more economical to take a taxi."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You say?

The New York Times

It depends, you say.

The New Yorker

I'm dandy, you say.

The New Yorker

"Hooray!" you say.

Independent

A coincidence, you say?

The New Yorker

"Preposterous," you say.

The New York Times

Must you say hello?

The New York Times

A nightmare, you say?

The New York Times

Impossible, you say?

The New York Times

What do you say?

The New York Times

"Anywhere you say.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "you say" to express surprise, disbelief, or to question a previous statement, adding nuance to the conversation.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "you say" in academic or professional contexts where more formal alternatives like "you state" or "you claim" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "you say" primarily functions as a discourse marker, used to acknowledge or respond to a previous statement. As Ludwig shows, it often introduces a question, expresses disbelief, or simply references what someone has expressed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "you say" is a versatile discourse marker used to respond to or reference previous statements. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news and media. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be suitable for academic writing. Employ it effectively to engage in dialogue, seek clarification, or express opinions, but be mindful of overuse in formal contexts. Remember, the phrase is widely accepted and understood, offering a nuanced way to participate in conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

you mention

Focuses on the act of bringing something up, rather than the assertion itself.

you state

Implies a more formal or direct declaration than "you say".

you claim

Suggests a degree of uncertainty or potential dispute regarding what is being said.

you indicate

Implies showing or pointing out something rather than directly saying it.

you express

Focuses on conveying a thought or feeling rather than a simple statement.

you articulate

Suggests a clear and detailed expression of something.

your position is

Highlights a formal stance or opinion on a particular topic.

your argument is

Focuses on the reasoning and justification behind a statement.

if you're asking

This shifts the focus to the interrogative aspect of what's being implied.

in your words

Emphasizes the specific way someone phrases something.

FAQs

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

You can use "you say" to introduce a quote, express surprise, or question a statement. For example, "You say that's impossible? I have evidence to the contrary."

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

In formal writing, consider alternatives like "you state", "you assert", or "you claim" depending on the context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "you say"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct to start a sentence with "you say", especially when introducing a question or expressing surprise. However, ensure that the sentence flows naturally and fits the overall tone of your writing.

How does "you say" differ from "you said"?

"You say" generally refers to something someone is currently saying or has recently said, while "you said" refers to something someone stated in the past. The choice depends on the timing and context of the statement.