Like I Said vs. As I Said – Which is Correct?

Both “like I said” and “as I said” are common phrases used to refer back to a previous statement. While “like I said” is widely used in informal speech, “as I said” is generally considered the more grammatically correct and formal option, especially in written communication. The choice often depends on the desired tone and context.

Like I Said or As I Said – Which is Correct?

The distinction between “like I said” and “as I said” largely comes down to formality and traditional grammatical usage. “As” functions as a conjunction, connecting the clause “I said” to the main part of the sentence, indicating “in the way that” or “because I previously stated.” This makes “as I said” the grammatically preferred choice when introducing a clause that refers to something previously spoken.

“Like,” on the other hand, traditionally functions as a preposition, meaning “similar to” or “in the manner of,” and should be followed by a noun or pronoun. Its use as a conjunction (meaning “as” or “as if”) has become extremely common in informal speech and writing, but it is still often flagged by prescriptivists as incorrect in formal contexts. Therefore, while “like I said” is perfectly understandable and frequently heard, “as I said” maintains a more formal and grammatically unimpeachable standing.

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

To remember the difference, think of “as” as introducing a complete thought or clause, meaning “in the manner that” or “because.” If you can substitute “in the way that I said” or “because I previously mentioned,” then “as I said” is the appropriate choice. If you’re comparing two nouns or pronouns, “like” is usually correct (e.g., “She sings like a bird”). Since “I said” is a clause, “as” is the more traditional conjunction.

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Like I said	Idiomatic Phrase	Informal way to refer back to a previous statement or reiterate a point.	Like I said, the meeting starts at 10 AM.
As I said	Idiomatic Phrase	Formal and grammatically standard way to refer back to a previous statement or reiterate a point.	As I said yesterday, the project deadline is firm.

How to Use Like I Said

“Like I said” is a common colloquialism used to reference a previous statement, often to emphasize or remind the listener of something already discussed. It’s prevalent in informal conversation and casual writing. While widely understood, its use as a conjunction is often considered non-standard in formal grammar, where “as” would be preferred. It conveys a relaxed, conversational tone.

Example 1: “Like I said, don’t forget your umbrella today; it’s supposed to rain.”

Example 2: “The concert was amazing, like I said it would be!”

Example 3: “I’m heading out now, like I said I would earlier.”

Etymology of the word Like I Said

The phrase “like I said” draws on the word “like,” which historically functions as a preposition (“similar to”) or an adjective (“similar”). Its use as a conjunction to mean “as” or “as if” became widespread in informal English during the 20th century, particularly in American English. This usage, while common, still faces resistance from traditional grammarians who advocate for “as” in such contexts. The phrase itself is an idiomatic construction reflecting this evolving usage of “like.”

How to Use As I Said

“As I said” is the grammatically preferred and more formal option when you want to refer back to something you previously stated. It functions with “as” acting as a conjunction of manner, meaning “in the way that I said” or “according to what I said.” This phrase is suitable for all contexts, from casual conversations to formal reports, academic papers, and professional correspondence. It conveys precision and adherence to standard English grammar.

Example 1: “As I said in my previous email, the revised budget is attached.”

Example 2: “The results, as I said during the presentation, confirm our initial hypothesis.”

Example 3: “Please ensure all safety protocols are followed, as I said this morning.”

Etymology of the word As I Said

The word “as” has ancient roots, tracing back to Old English “alswa” or “alswo,” meaning “all so.” Over time, it shortened to “as” and developed into a versatile conjunction and adverb. In the phrase “as I said,” “as” functions as a conjunction of manner, indicating “in the way that” or “according to what.” This usage has been standard in English for centuries, reflecting its role in introducing clauses that specify how something is done or what has been previously communicated.

Related Concepts

Understanding broader grammatical concepts can help clarify why “as I said” is generally preferred over “like I said” in formal contexts.

• Conjunctions: Words that connect clauses, phrases, or words. “As” is a conjunction, correctly introducing the clause “I said.” “Like” traditionally is not a conjunction in this sense, though its usage has evolved.
• Prepositions: Words that show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence (e.g., “like a bird”). Traditionally, “like” serves as a preposition, not a conjunction.
• Formal vs. Informal Language: The choice between “like I said” and “as I said” often reflects the level of formality. “As I said” aligns with formal, standard English, while “like I said” is characteristic of informal, conversational speech.

Examples from Media and Literature

• “And so, as I said, the path ahead is not without its challenges, but we are prepared.” (Political speech transcript)
• “The detective looked at the scattered papers. ‘As I said before, we need to find the missing ledger.'” (Mystery novel)
• “Look, like I said, I just want to go home and get some rest.” (Dialogue in a contemporary film)
• “He ignored her pleas. ‘But as I said, the deadline is tomorrow, and the report is unfinished.'” (Business memo in a novel)
• “Like I said, it’s not rocket science; just follow the instructions carefully.” (Informal advice column)

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. The team, _____ I said, is ready for the competition.
2. Don’t worry, _____ I said, I’ll handle everything.
3. She sings _____ an angel, not _____ I said she would, but even better.
4. Please review the document, _____ I said earlier, for any discrepancies.
5. I told him, _____ I said yesterday, that punctuality is key.

Answer Key

1. as / like (both common, but “as” is more formal)
2. as / like (both common, but “as” is more formal)
3. like, as
4. as
5. as / like (both common, but “as” is more formal)

Like I Said Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
As I mentioned	Referring to something stated earlier, generally neutral to slightly formal.
As I stated	More formal way to refer to a previous declaration.
To reiterate	To repeat something said previously, often for emphasis or clarity.
As previously noted	A formal way to refer back to information already presented.
You know, what I said	Highly informal and conversational way to refer back to a statement.

As I Said Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
As I mentioned	Referring to something stated earlier, generally neutral to slightly formal.
As I stated	More formal way to refer to a previous declaration.
To reiterate	To repeat something said previously, often for emphasis or clarity.
As previously noted	A formal way to refer back to information already presented.
According to my previous statement	A very formal and explicit way to reference what was said before.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Is “like I said” grammatically incorrect?
Traditionally, yes, in formal grammar, “like” is a preposition and not a conjunction. Therefore, using “like” to introduce a clause like “I said” is considered non-standard. However, its usage as a conjunction is extremely common in informal speech and has become widely accepted in casual contexts.

Question 2: When should I choose “as I said” over “like I said”?
You should choose “as I said” in all formal writing, professional communications, academic papers, and situations where you want to maintain a precise and grammatically correct tone. In casual conversation, either can be used, but “as I said” is always a safe and appropriate choice.

Question 3: Are there other phrases similar to “like I said” and “as I said”?
Yes, several phrases convey a similar meaning, such as “as I mentioned,” “as I stated,” “to reiterate,” “as previously noted,” and “as discussed.” The choice depends on the specific nuance and formality you wish to convey.

Conclusion

While “like I said” is a ubiquitous phrase in everyday conversation, “as I said” remains the gold standard for formal and grammatically precise communication. Understanding this distinction allows you to tailor your language appropriately for any context. Choosing “as I said” demonstrates a command of standard English, enhancing clarity and credibility in professional and academic settings.

Pro Tip: When in doubt, especially in written communication or formal discourse, opt for “as I said.” It is consistently considered grammatically sound and will always reflect well on your attention to detail and professional reputation.