- Do you know whether to “make,” “give,” or “issue” a statement in a professional setting?
- Are you confused by the difference between a “bank statement” and a “mission statement”?
- Have you ever wondered which adjectives best describe a clear or controversial comment?
Mastering Statement Collocations is a vital step toward achieving natural English fluency. Because the word “statement” appears in legal, financial, and daily conversational contexts, using the wrong verb or adjective can change your intended meaning or make you sound unnatural. This guide provides a structured look at how native speakers combine “statement” with other words to communicate with precision and confidence.
Essential Collocations using STATEMENT as a Noun
In modern English, “statement” is primarily used as a noun. It refers to a definite or clear expression of something in speech or writing, or a formal document. Below are the most frequent combinations categorized by their grammatical role.
Common Verbs Used with Statement
- Make a statement: To say or write something formally.
Example: “The suspect refused to make a statement without his lawyer present.” - Issue a statement: To give a formal announcement to the public or press (highly professional).
Example: “The White House issued a statement regarding the new trade policy.” - Release a statement: Similar to issue; often used when making a document available to the media.
Example: “The band released a statement announcing their upcoming tour.” - Retract a statement: To formally take back something you previously said.
Example: “The politician was forced to retract his statement after the facts came to light.” - Clarify a statement: To explain something previously said to make it easier to understand.
Example: “Could you please clarify your statement about the budget cuts?”
Descriptive Adjectives for Statement
- Official statement: A formal comment from an authorized source.
Example: “We are waiting for an official statement from the hospital.” - Joint statement: A comment made by two or more groups together.
Example: “The two countries issued a joint statement pledging cooperation.” - Sweeping statement: A generalization that is too broad and may not be entirely true.
Example: “Saying that all teenagers are lazy is a sweeping statement.” - False statement: An incorrect or dishonest claim.
Example: “Providing a false statement to the police is a serious crime.” - Bold statement: A comment that is brave, confident, or perhaps controversial.
Example: “The CEO made a bold statement about dominating the market within a year.”
Specific Types of Statements (Noun + Noun)
- Bank statement: A printed record of the balance in a bank account.
Example: “I need to check my bank statement to see if the check cleared.” - Mission statement: A formal summary of the aims and values of an organization.
Example: “The university’s mission statement focuses on social responsibility.” - Witness statement: A formal report given by someone who saw an event.
Example: “The police took a witness statement from the shopkeeper.” - Financial statement: A formal record of the financial activities of a business.
Example: “The investors analyzed the company’s financial statement before buying shares.”
The Master Summary Table
| Collocation | Part of Speech | Quick Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Issue a statement | Verb + Noun | To give a formal public announcement. |
| Bank statement | Noun + Noun | A document showing money in an account. |
| Sweeping statement | Adjective + Noun | A broad generalization. |
| Make a statement | Verb + Noun | To express an opinion or fact formally. |
| Mission statement | Noun + Noun | The core goal of a company. |
| Retract a statement | Verb + Noun | To take back what was said. |
| Joint statement | Adjective + Noun | A combined message from two parties. |
Common Mistakes: Natural vs Unnatural
Learners often translate directly from their native language, leading to “word-for-word” errors. Use the table below to ensure you are using natural English.
| Do Not Say | Say This |
|---|---|
| Give a statement (in a formal context) | Make a statement or Issue a statement |
| Say a statement | Make a statement |
| Receive a bank paper | Check your bank statement |
| A wide statement | A sweeping statement |
| Take back a statement | Retract a statement |
Contextual Story: The Press Conference
“Following the unexpected merger, the Board of Directors decided to issue a statement to calm the investors. The spokesperson warned the team not to make any sweeping statements about job security until the financial statements were fully audited. During the meeting, one director made a bold statement regarding the company’s future, but the PR team had to clarify the statement later that evening to avoid a misleading statement appearing in the morning news.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Statement Collocations
What is the difference between ‘make a statement’ and ‘issue a statement’?
‘Make a statement’ is a general term used for individuals giving information (like to the police or in a meeting). ‘Issue a statement’ is much more formal and usually refers to an organization or government official providing a prepared text to the media.
Can ‘statement’ be used as a verb?
<pNo. In modern English, "statement" is strictly a noun. If you need a verb, you should use "to state." For example, "He stated his intentions" is correct, while "He statemented his intentions" is incorrect.
What does it mean to “make a statement” with clothes or decor?
In a fashion or design context, “making a statement” means to do something that attracts attention and expresses your personality or style. A “statement piece” is a bold item of clothing or furniture that stands out.
Which preposition follows ‘statement’?
The most common prepositions are ‘on,’ ‘about,’ or ‘concerning.’ For example: “The company issued a statement on the recent layoffs” or “His statement about the environment was well-received.”
What is a ‘misleading statement’?
A misleading statement is one that is technically true but designed to make someone believe something that is false. It is often used in legal and advertising contexts.
As a non-native speaker, achieving natural fluency is my goal. Articles like this are gold. It's not just about knowing words, but how they truly 'fit' together.
I've heard 'deliver a statement' too. How does that fit in with 'make,' 'give,' and 'issue'? Is it similar to 'issue'?
That's a fantastic advanced question, Ben! 'Deliver a statement' is indeed very similar to 'issue a statement,' often implying a formal presentation or reading of a statement, especially in a public or official forum (e.g., 'The president delivered a statement to the press'). It carries a strong sense of formal presentation and public release, much like 'issue.' Great job picking up on that!
This breakdown of 'make,' 'give,' and 'issue' is exactly what I needed! I used to guess, but now I feel more confident. The nuances are important.
Could you do an article on collocations with 'decision' next? That's another word I struggle with regarding which verb to use!
Thanks for the suggestion, Hiroshi! 'Decision' is definitely another excellent candidate for a collocation deep dive. We'll add it to our content calendar! In the meantime, remember 'make a decision,' 'reach a decision,' and 'come to a decision' are some of the most common verbs. Stay tuned for more valuable content!
Are there any common prepositional phrases that go with 'statement'? Like 'statement *of* intent' or 'statement *about* the incident'?
Excellent question, Sophie! Prepositions are crucial for precision. 'Statement of intent,' 'statement of purpose,' or 'statement of account' are very common. 'Statement *about* X' or 'statement *on* Y' are also frequently used to specify the topic. Your examples are spot on! Understanding these helps build more natural and accurate sentences.
English collocations are my biggest struggle! This article helps so much. I'll print this out and keep it in my study notebook for reference. Thank you!
What about 'make a statement' in the sense of fashion or design? Like, 'her dress made a bold statement.' Is that a different idiomatic usage of the word?
Absolutely, Olga! You've hit on a fantastic idiomatic use. When we say 'her dress made a bold statement,' it means the dress communicated a strong impression or opinion, often about her style, personality, or even a broader cultural trend. It's a figurative extension of 'making a point' or 'expressing an idea' through appearance, rather than literal words. Great observation and an excellent example of language richness!
So 'make a statement' is the most general? Like, if I just want to say something formally, I can usually default to 'make' if I'm unsure?
You're on the right track, Jin! 'Make a statement' is indeed the most versatile and generally applicable of the three verbs. If you're unsure and the context isn't highly official or public-facing (where 'issue' would be better), 'make a statement' is often a safe and correct choice. It covers a broad range of formal expressions, both spoken and written.
I'm still a bit fuzzy on 'give a statement.' Is it always in a legal context, or can I 'give a statement' about my feelings on something, for instance?
That's a great question, Fatima! While 'give a statement' is very common in legal settings (e.g., to the police), you wouldn't typically 'give a statement' about your feelings in casual conversation. You'd 'express your feelings' or 'make a comment.' 'Give a statement' implies a more formal impartation of information, often in response to a request or within an official capacity. Keep practicing, and you'll master it!
Is there any difference in how US English and UK English use 'make,' 'give,' or 'issue' a statement? Sometimes there are slight variations, so I'm curious about this one.