a statement

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   Something that you say or write officially or clearly, giving information or an opinion.

   Grammar: Countable: a statement or statements; often followed by about or on.

   Patterns

   • make a statement
   • a statement about something
   • a statement from someone

   The police made a short statement about the accident.

   Her statement to the press was read by a lawyer.

   The company will issue a statement tomorrow morning.

2. 2nouncountablelegal

   An official record of what a witness says, used in a court or investigation.

   Grammar: Countable; often with give or take: give a statement to the police.

   Patterns

   • give a statement
   • take a statement from someone

   Two witnesses gave statements to the police.

   The officer took a statement from the driver.

3. 3nouncountablefinance

   A printed or electronic record of money paid into and taken out of an account.

   Grammar: Countable; often with bank or credit card before it.

   Patterns

   • a bank statement
   • check your statement

   I check my bank statement every month.

   The charge appeared on my credit card statement.

4. 4nouncountable

   A clear show of a feeling, belief, or style, often meant to be noticed.

   Grammar: Countable; often in the phrase make a statement.

   Patterns

   • make a statement
   • a fashion statement

   Her red coat made a bold statement.

   The design is meant to be a statement about waste.

Word forms

Common combinations

make a statement

The minister refused to make a statement.

official statement

An official statement will be posted online.

bank statement

Your bank statement shows every payment.

give a statement

She agreed to give a statement to the police.

public statement

The club released a public statement about the match.

Synonyms and how they differ

declaration

A declaration is formal and often public, like a statement, but it usually announces something important rather than just giving information.

announcement

An announcement tells people news for the first time, while a statement may repeat or explain a position.

comment

A comment is a short remark and can be informal; a statement sounds more official and complete.

Word family

state verb

to say something formally or clearly

stated adjective

said or written openly

Commonly confused: a statement or statement?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “a statement”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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