Meaning & use
word has it
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Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
People are saying that something is true, although it is not officially confirmed.
Grammar: Usually followed by a that-clause, and the that can be left out: Word has it (that) prices will rise.
Patterns
- word has it that ...
- word has it (that) someone is doing something
- word has it (that) something will happen
Word has it that the company is about to open a new office in Lisbon.
Word has it she turned down the job because of the long commute.
Word has it the concert sold out within an hour.
phrasefixed phraseinformal
Used to report gossip or an unofficial story that is going around a group.
Grammar: Often comes at the start of a sentence, with the actual news in the clause after it; it does not take a direct object.
Patterns
- word has it around here that ...
- word has it on the street that ...
Word has it around the office that the two departments will merge next year.
Word has it on the street that the old cinema is being turned into flats.
Common combinations
- word has it that
- Word has it that the manager is leaving at the end of the month.
- word has it around here
- Word has it around here that the bakery is closing.
- word has it on the street
- Word has it on the street that a new supermarket is coming.
- word has it otherwise
- Everyone expects a quick deal, but word has it otherwise.
Synonyms and how they differ
- rumor has it
- The American spelling of the same idea; it is more common in US English and slightly more informal.
- they say
- A shorter, more general way to report what people claim, with no suggestion of a specific group spreading the news.
- reportedly
- An adverb used in news writing; it sounds more neutral and official than this phrase.
Commonly confused: word has it or have a word? word has it or the word is?
word has it vs have a word
This means to speak to someone privately, often about a problem: I'll have a word with him. It has nothing to do with rumors.
word has it vs the word is
A similar phrase meaning the news or current opinion is; it is often followed by that, but it sounds a little more definite.
Practice
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Choose one answer.
The fixed phrase is 'word has it (that) + clause', so option An is correct. Option B is wrong because the phrase introduces a statement, not a question, and option D uses the wrong verb form ('word' is singular here). Option C wrongly adds 'to' and a direct object.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “word has it”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.