a pat phrase

USAGE SUMMARY

"a pat phrase" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to an expression or phrase that has been used frequently or too often, and might have lost its original meaning or impact. For example, "His suggestion of 'thinking outside the box' was quite a pat phrase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He had a pat phrase to describe the alliance that I'm not quite sure I wrote down correctly, since the witticisms are interchangeable — the government was an alignment of "socially liberal conservatives and economically conservative liberals," or some such mash.

The New Yorker

It is that doubt poetry's ability to muddy a pat phrase or dislodge an accepted truism with an unexpected word or other sleight of hand that made Frost's performance resonate.

The New Yorker

But, as the Republican base grew more conservative and angry, Rubio was trapped as the candidate of the Party's dwindling élite, and then, once Chris Christie caught him repeating a pat phrase in a New Hampshire debate (the phrase was "Let's dispel with this fiction that Barack Obama doesn't know what he's doing"), his candidacy became a joke.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Though often reduced to a few pat phrases, identity is not always a simple matter.

The New York Times

Wedding his vocal lines to the patterns of speech -- a cornerstone of his operatic philosophy -- he keeps the singers (here, Michael Hendrick and Christine Abraham) hovering at the edge of melody, borne up by a swelling orchestra that ravishingly depicts the ebb and flow of deep feeling without explicitly crystallizing it into pat phrases.

The New York Times - Arts

Though what is truly frightening about her is that she knows her limitations and still thinks it's possible to ride pat phrases, oily grins and outright lies into the 2nd most powerful job in the world.

Huffington Post

A pat on the shoulder.

The New York Times

It wasn't a caress, it was simply a pat, pat, pat".

Independent

It's a pat answer.

The Guardian

A pat here, a quiet word there.

Independent

An alarm necessitates a pat down.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pat phrase" sparingly in formal writing. While acceptable, over-reliance can make your writing appear unoriginal. Opt for more specific or novel descriptions where appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "a pat phrase" when you mean to describe a saying that is simply well-known or traditional, but not necessarily overused or trite. The phrase carries a negative connotation of staleness and lack of originality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pat phrase" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a direct object or subject complement to describe a saying or expression. It serves to characterize the saying as unoriginal and overused. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase refers to expressions that have been used frequently and may have lost their impact.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pat phrase" is a noun phrase used to describe an expression considered unoriginal and overused. Grammatically correct, it's primarily found in news and media contexts, though its frequency is rare. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it carries a connotation of staleness, implying the expression has lost its impact through overuse. When writing, it's best to use this phrase intentionally, aware of its critical tone and potential to come across as dismissive, especially in formal settings. Alternatives like ""a cliché"" or ""a hackneyed expression"" can offer similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stock phrase

Replaces "pat" with "stock", indicating a standard or commonly used expression.

a cliché

Replaces the entire phrase with a single word that encapsulates the meaning of an overused expression.

a hackneyed expression

Replaces "phrase" with "expression" and uses "hackneyed" to emphasize the lack of originality.

an overused term

Emphasizes the excessive use of the phrase by using "overused term".

an unoriginal phrase

Directly states that the phrase lacks originality.

a tired cliché

Combines "tired" and "cliché" to reinforce the idea of an expression that is both overused and uninteresting.

a trite saying

Substitutes "phrase" with "saying" and employs "trite" to highlight the staleness of the expression.

a commonplace expression

Replaces "pat" with "commonplace", suggesting that the expression is ordinary and uninspired.

a stale expression

Uses "stale" to describe an expression that has lost its freshness or impact through overuse.

a worn-out saying

Implies that the saying has been used so much that it is no longer effective.

FAQs

How can I use "a pat phrase" in a sentence?

You can use "a pat phrase" to describe an expression that is overused and lacks originality. For example, "His reliance on '"thinking outside the box"' is a perfect example of a pat phrase".

What's a good alternative to "a pat phrase"?

Alternatives include '"a hackneyed expression"', '"a trite saying"', or simply '"a cliché"', all conveying the sense of an overused and unoriginal expression.

Is it appropriate to use "a pat phrase" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, using "a pat phrase" may be perceived as informal or even dismissive in formal contexts. Consider more precise language to describe the expression you're referencing.

What's the difference between "a pat phrase" and "a common saying"?

"A pat phrase" implies overuse and lack of originality, whereas "a common saying" simply means a saying that is widely known and used, without necessarily implying negativity. A '"common saying"' can still be meaningful and impactful, whereas a pat phrase is seen as stale.