according to local lore

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "according to local lore" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referencing traditional stories, beliefs, or legends that are passed down within a community or culture. Example: "According to local lore, the old oak tree in the village is said to be enchanted and grants wishes to those who believe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

According to local lore, tax collectors from the mainland were easily spotted, and easily repelled.

The New Yorker

According to local lore, each winter solstice a ghost comes to haunt villagers.

The New York Times

According to local lore, these furnishings were a gift from the last empress of China.

The New York Times

According to local lore, the first Confederate uniform and flag were designed there.

The New York Times

According to local lore, the German train vanished while it was fleeing the Red Army in the spring of 1945.

Independent

They were apparently looking for gold that, according to local lore, was often interred with wealthy Armenians.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

According to locals' lore, the name Rosehill dates to 1746 when John Watts, a British farmer, bought 131 acres of land extending from Broadway to the East River between 21st and 30th Streets.

The New York Times

According to local VC lore, Nest's gross margins are low and don't rise much above customer support costs.

The Guardian - Tech

On August 18 , 1896 according to local Western lore (the truth of which cannot be determined), over 200 outlaws from regional gangs gathered at Brown's Hole, where Butch Cassidy proposed to organize a Train Robbers' Syndicate, which became familiarly known as the Wild Bunch.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In other caves, called Tham Pi Maen ("tall spirit caves"), I examined 1,700-year-old 1,700-year-old 1,700-year-oldcoffinsg to locarvedan lout, they are the resting places of slender spiriteakho haccordingforesto though the discovery of bone and tooth fragments in and near some of the coffins suggest a human origin.

The New York Times - Travel

FISH was performed according to local protocols.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "according to local lore" to introduce information that might not be verifiable but is an integral part of a community's identity or cultural understanding.

Common error

Avoid presenting information prefaced by "according to local lore" as definitive fact. Always ensure the audience understands it's a belief or story, not necessarily a verified truth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "according to local lore" functions as an attributive prepositional phrase. It introduces information sourced from community stories and traditions, often adding a layer of cultural context. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Travel

15%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "according to local lore" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce information that is part of a community's traditional stories and beliefs. As Ludwig AI suggests, it signals that the information is not necessarily verifiable but is culturally significant. Predominantly used in news and travel contexts, this phrase adds cultural context and nuance to writing. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to clarify that the information stems from lore, not established fact, preventing misinterpretations. Using alternative phrases, like "as local legend has it", can provide variety while conveying a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as local legend has it

Rephrases with a focus on the legendary aspect, emphasizing a story passed down.

local tradition holds that

Highlights the traditional nature of the belief, suggesting a long-standing custom.

it is locally believed that

Focuses on the belief aspect, indicating a common acceptance within the community.

the story goes that

Emphasizes the narrative aspect, presenting it as a tale or anecdote.

popular wisdom suggests

Highlights the community aspect and the popular acceptance.

townsfolk say that

Specifies that the knowledge comes from the inhabitants of a town.

the rumor has it

Rephrases from the perspective of the source of information and highlights the uncertainty.

regional tales tell of

Highlights the geographical area where the stories originated from.

it's said around these parts

Changes the structure while indicating a geographically limited scope.

in local parlance

Focuses on the manner of speaking rather than the content of the lore.

FAQs

How can I use "according to local lore" in a sentence?

You can use "according to local lore" to introduce a story, belief, or tradition specific to a particular place or community. For example, "According to local lore, the river is home to a mythical creature."

What can I say instead of "according to local lore"?

You can use alternatives like "as local legend has it", "local tradition holds that", or "it is locally believed that" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "according to local lore" in academic writing?

While it can be used, be cautious. Frame the statement as a belief or tradition, not a verifiable fact. Always contextualize it appropriately and avoid relying solely on lore for critical analysis.

What is the difference between "according to local lore" and "according to historical records"?

"According to local lore" refers to stories and beliefs passed down through generations, which may not be verifiable. "According to historical records" refers to documented evidence that can be verified and substantiated.