Formal:
* Stated: Emphasizes a clear and direct declaration.
* Declared: Suggests a formal announcement or strong assertion.
* Remarked: Implies a casual or less formal comment.
* Observed: Highlights a factual statement or observation.
* Explained: Focuses on providing information or clarification.
Informal:
* Added: Implies an additional comment or thought.
* Noted: Highlights something important or worth remembering.
* Commented: Emphasizes a personal opinion or reaction.
* Whispered: Suggests a quiet or secretive statement.
* Muttered: Implies a low, unclear, or grumbling statement.
Figurative:
* Cried: Suggests a strong emotional statement.
* Shouted: Emphasizes a loud and forceful statement.
* Proclaimed: Implies a grand or dramatic announcement.
* Breathed: Suggests a soft, almost inaudible statement.
* Hinted: Suggests an indirect or subtle statement.
Consider the context:
* Who is speaking? A child, a professor, a friend?
* What is the tone of the conversation? Serious, humorous, angry?
* What is the speaker trying to achieve? To inform, to persuade, to entertain?
Choosing the right saying verb can add nuance and interest to your writing!