a stock phrase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stock phrase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a commonly used expression or phrase that lacks originality. Example: "In his speech, he relied heavily on a stock phrase that everyone had heard before, which made it less impactful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The few replies I did get all included a stock phrase - "not for us".

The Guardian - Books

Of course that's a stock phrase, but we do need major investment," said Kenwright.

The Guardian - Sport

It has become a stock phrase to illustrate the semi-mythic expectation to pull regular all-nighters.

Independent

This is of course a cliché, a stock phrase in the political arsenal: just about everyone who ever mounted a political podium has used it.

University of California, Berkeley

At that meeting, they adopted a stock phrase about the need to monitor exchange rate movements closely and "cooperate as appropriate".

The New York Times

For much of 2008, a stock phrase in the press statement agreed each month by the European Central Bank's rate-setters was "the euro area does not suffer from major imbalances".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

As far as Eichmann was concerned, these were questions of changing moods, not of inconsistencies, and as long as he was capable of finding, either in his memory or on the spur of the moment, an elating stock phrase to go with them, he was quite content.

The New Yorker

This outrageous cliché was no longer issued to them from above; it was a self-fabricated stock phrase, as devoid of reality as those clichés by which the people had lived for twelve years.

The New Yorker

Each critique is simply a few stock phrases strung together, but it is generally convincing unless a judge's remarks seem contradictory or one judge blasts you and then the next judge says "I totally disagree" and also blasts you.

The New York Times

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Vice

Mr. Kharma employs a few stock phrases, such as "Why not?" or "Let's make it happen" or "So far, so good," for a wide variety of situations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a stock phrase", consider whether a more original or specific expression would be more impactful and engaging for your audience. Overuse can diminish the strength of your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "a stock phrase" as it can make your writing sound uninspired or generic. Strive for originality and tailor your language to the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stock phrase" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. It identifies a specific type of expression: one that is overused and lacks originality. This aligns with Ludwig AI's analysis confirming the phrase's correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a stock phrase" is a noun phrase used to describe an overused and unoriginal expression. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its usage spans across various contexts, including News & Media and Academia, though it is not exceedingly common. When writing, consider whether a more original alternative, such as "a common expression" or "a cliché", might be more impactful. While not always negative, overuse of "a stock phrase" can diminish the strength of your writing, so it's important to use it judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cliché

Highlights the overused and unoriginal nature of the phrase.

a hackneyed term

Indicates the phrase has become stale through overuse.

a common expression

Focuses on the widespread use of the phrase.

a pat phrase

Suggests the phrase is recited mechanically without thought.

a trite saying

Emphasizes the lack of freshness and impact of the phrase.

a well-worn phrase

Implies the phrase has been used so much it's lost its impact.

an overused idiom

Specifically points out the idiomatic and repetitive nature.

a conventional expression

Highlights the traditional and unoriginal aspect of the phrase.

a standard formula

Focuses on the structured and predictable nature of the phrase.

a canned response

Suggests the phrase is a pre-packaged and insincere reply.

FAQs

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

You can use "a stock phrase" to describe an expression that is commonly used and lacks originality. For example, "His speech was full of "a stock phrase", making it sound uninspired".

What are some alternatives to "a stock phrase"?

Alternatives to "a stock phrase" include "a common expression", "a cliché", or "a trite saying". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always bad to use "a stock phrase"?

Not necessarily. While using "a stock phrase" can sometimes make your writing sound unoriginal, it can also be useful for quickly conveying a common idea. However, it's important to be mindful of overuse.

What is the difference between "a stock phrase" and "an idiom"?

While both are established expressions, "a stock phrase" simply refers to a commonly used expression, while an "an idiom" is a phrase whose meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meanings of its constituent words.