a saying on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a saying on" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used when referring to a specific saying or proverb related to a particular topic or subject. Example: "There is a saying on perseverance that goes, 'If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.'"

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

In polar circles, there is a saying: "On expedition choose your companions carefully...

The New York Times - Travel

There is a saying on Wall Street that the market is never wrong.

The New York Times - Arts

We have a saying on our team that what goes around comes around.

The Guardian - Sport

There's a saying on Wall Street that markets tend to climb a "wall of worry".

The Guardian - Business

Years ago when I worked with Stephen Sprouse, he had a saying on his wall that said a safety pin is a small thing until you need one.

The New York Times

Codefarm has recently applied for administration.There is a saying on Wall Street that the test of a product is whether clients will buy it.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

She said: "Patient A said on a number of occasions she wanted him to stop contacting her.

Independent

"I did get a say on that form.

Independent

Mr de Pouzilhac says that Mr Bolloré will be given a say on Grey.

The Economist

A family gains a say on how its genetic legacy is used in medical research.

The New York Times - Science

However, Westminster ought surely to have a say on this matter.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider rephrasing to alternatives like "a saying about" or "an expression regarding" for better clarity and common usage.

Common error

Avoid using "a saying on" when a more common phrase like "a saying about" or "an expression regarding" would be more appropriate. The phrase can sound awkward in general contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a saying on" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a saying, proverb, or expression related to a particular topic. According to Ludwig AI, while grammatically correct, it's not as commonly used as alternatives.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a saying on" is a grammatically acceptable but less common phrase used to introduce a saying related to a specific topic. Ludwig AI indicates that it may sound awkward compared to alternatives like "a saying about" or "an expression regarding". While its communicative purpose is clear, its infrequent usage suggests that writers should consider more common alternatives for better clarity and acceptance. It's more common in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. Thus, while not incorrect, opting for alternatives could enhance the overall readability and flow of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an expression regarding

Replaces "saying" with "expression" and uses "regarding" instead of "on", focusing on an expression related to something.

a proverb concerning

Substitutes "saying" with "proverb" and "on" with "concerning", highlighting a proverb related to a specific topic.

a quote about

Uses "quote" instead of "saying" and "about" instead of "on", indicating a quotation related to a subject.

a dictum relating to

Replaces "saying" with "dictum" and "on" with "relating to", suggesting a formal statement related to something.

an adage pertaining to

Substitutes "saying" with "adage" and "on" with "pertaining to", emphasizing a traditional saying related to a topic.

a maxim concerning

Uses "maxim" instead of "saying" and "concerning" instead of "on", indicating a general truth related to something.

a belief regarding

Replaces "saying" with "belief" and uses "regarding" instead of "on", focusing on a belief related to a subject.

a motto related to

Substitutes "saying" with "motto" and "on" with "related to", highlighting a motto connected to something.

a slogan for

Replaces "saying" with "slogan" and "on" with "for", focusing on a slogan created to represent a topic.

a catchphrase about

Substitutes "saying" with "catchphrase" and "on" with "about", indicating a popular phrase related to something.

FAQs

What's a more common way to phrase "a saying on"?

Alternatives include "a saying about", "an expression regarding", or "a proverb concerning". These phrases are more frequently used and can provide greater clarity.

Can I use "a saying on" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a saying on" might sound slightly awkward in formal writing. Consider using alternatives such as "an expression regarding" or "a dictum relating to" for a more polished tone.

How does "a saying on" differ from "a saying about"?

"A saying about" is generally more common and widely accepted. "A saying on" is less frequently used and might sound unusual to some native English speakers. Using "a saying about" ensures better clarity and acceptance.

In what contexts is "a saying on" most appropriate?

While not highly common, "a saying on" could be used when you want to emphasize that the saying directly addresses or pertains to a specific subject. However, using alternatives is generally preferable.