Professional words for “say”
The default reporting verb — and the five sharper ones that mean specific things.
In plain writing, "said" is invisible and that's usually the right call. In reports, minutes, and papers — where you need to convey how something was said — reach for a verb that carries the manner.
- 01State formal
a clear, attributable position
The CFO stated that revenue was flat.
- 02Assert formal
a claim made with conviction
The plaintiff asserts the contract was void.
- 03Note formal
a brief observation in passing
The report notes an uptick in Q3.
- 04Observe formal
a reasoned comment on something seen
The judge observed that evidence was thin.
- 05Remark neutral
a casual-but-quotable aside
She remarked that the room was cold.
- 06Contend formal
a position held against opposition
The authors contend that the opposite is true.
"Utter" and "opine" sound stilted in most business writing. Keep them for fiction or courts.