according to legend

USAGE SUMMARY

"according to legend" is correct and usable in written English and is used to introduce a story or statement that may not necessarily be true but is widely believed and accepted.
For example: "According to legend, King Arthur defeated the Knights of the Round Table using Excalibur."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

According to legend, McGee discovered them quite by accident.

Independent

Even the name "Google" is, according to legend, a mistake.

The New Yorker

According to legend, the "purchase" was made for glass beads.

Encyclopedia Britannica

According to legend, Ribalagua made more than 10 million daiquiris.

The New York Times

According to legend, the film almost didn't happen.

The Guardian - Film

According to legend, he inclined to licentiousness and extravagance, but the evidence is inconclusive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

According to legend, the architect of the church entombed his wife within its walls during construction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

According to legend, a Provençal count originally ordered it for a visit from Louis XIV.

The New York Times - Arts

According to legend, one was trampled by a cow; Eliza nourished the others with dishwater.

The New Yorker

According to legend, their tofu was so hard it could break stones.

The New Yorker

According to legend, however, the spirit Fitsi-fitsi built giant moats in the area.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "according to legend", consider adding a disclaimer if the information contradicts established facts. This provides a balanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "according to legend" to describe documented historical events. This phrase is meant for stories that are unverified and often embellished over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "according to legend" functions as a disclaimer or qualifier, indicating that the information being presented is based on a traditional story or belief rather than verifiable fact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it introduces content rooted in lore rather than established truth.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "according to legend" serves as a useful introductory phrase to signal information rooted in folklore rather than verifiable fact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and broadly used across different contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and online media. When using the phrase, bear in mind to present it that the reader doesn't take the information as a certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

according to folklore

Very similar, but specifies "folklore" as the source.

as the story goes

This alternative is more informal and conversational.

in folklore

This alternative directly refers to traditional beliefs and stories.

tradition has it

This alternative emphasizes the passing down of information through generations.

as myth would have it

This alternative specifically attributes the information to mythical origins.

it is said that

This alternative is a more neutral way of introducing an unverified claim.

the tale tells of

This alternative evokes a more narrative and storytelling context.

popular belief suggests

This alternative highlights the widespread acceptance of the information.

rumor has it

This alternative implies that the information is circulating but not necessarily verified.

it is rumored that

Similar to "rumor has it", this version gives it an informal twist.

FAQs

How do I use "according to legend" in a sentence?

You can use "according to legend" to introduce a story or belief that is widely known but not necessarily true. For instance, "According to legend, the city was founded by a mythical hero."

What phrases are similar to "according to legend"?

Alternatives include "as the story goes", "tradition has it", or "it is said that", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "according to legend" in academic writing?

While "according to legend" is acceptable, it's crucial to provide additional context and source information in academic writing to maintain credibility. Consider phrases like "popular belief suggests" to suggest an argument.

How does "according to legend" differ from "according to history"?

"According to legend" refers to stories that may or may not be true, often passed down orally. "According to history" implies information verified by documented evidence and historical analysis.