according to lore

USAGE SUMMARY

'according to lore' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something is passed down by generations, either as part of a culture or from some kind of traditional knowledge. For example, "According to lore, the bones of Saint Valentine are kept in a golden urn in the local chapel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

According to lore, the surf break is named after a German shepherd, Maverick.

The New York Times

According to lore, the Empress Dowager Cixi was famously fond of hers.

The New York Times - Style

According to lore, the Goddess Durga spends the whole year caring for her husband, Lord Shiva, in the Himalayas.

The New York Times

The first directory consisted of a single sheet listing the names of 50 subscribers, according to lore.

The New York Times - Science

According to lore, the Camaro was a reaction to the Ford Motor Company's popular Mustang, introduced in 1964.

The New York Times

According to lore, such figures are invariably unconcerned by convention, immune to financial concerns and solely motivated by the need to bare their deeply complicated souls.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

According to industry lore, the case was good for business.

The Economist

About 70% of all decisions to buy something are made by women, according to industry lore.

The Economist

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

The New York Times

According to park lore, half a million visitors came each year.

The New York Times - Magazine

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

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "according to lore" when presenting information that is based on cultural tradition, anecdotes, or unverified sources. It's helpful to signal to the reader that the information may not be factual but is part of a shared understanding or history.

Common error

Avoid presenting information introduced by "according to lore" as verified fact. Always maintain a clear distinction between lore and established truth to avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "according to lore" functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce information that is based on tradition, cultural narratives, or popular belief rather than verifiable facts. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a usable expression in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

6%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "according to lore" is a prepositional phrase used to introduce information rooted in tradition or popular belief, rather than established fact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. When using the phrase, it's important to signal to your audience that the information is based on cultural understanding and should not be mistaken for verifiable data. Alternatives like "as tradition has it" or "as legend says" can provide similar contextual framing. Remember to use this phrase judiciously, particularly in formal writing, to maintain clarity and avoid misrepresenting unverified claims as concrete facts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

according to popular belief

Stresses that the source is a general consensus rather than a verified fact.

as tradition has it

Focuses on the traditional aspect of the information being conveyed.

as legend says

Highlights the legendary or mythical nature of the information.

rumor has it

Emphasizes the unverified or speculative nature of the information.

popular belief suggests

Indicates the information is based on widely held, but possibly inaccurate, beliefs.

it is said

A more general way of introducing information without specifying the source.

the story goes

Implies a narrative or anecdotal origin for the information.

by all accounts

Indicates that the information is consistent across multiple sources or narrations.

traditionally

Conveys that the information is part of a long-standing custom or practice.

in folk tales

Specifies that the information comes from folk narratives and stories.

FAQs

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

You can use "according to lore" to introduce information based on cultural traditions or anecdotes. For example, "According to lore, the town was founded by a group of escaped pirates."

What are some alternatives to "according to lore"?

Alternatives include "as tradition has it", "as legend says", or "rumor has it", depending on the context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "according to lore" in formal writing?

While acceptable, use "according to lore" judiciously in formal writing. It signals that the information is not definitively proven and may be more suitable for less formal contexts or when discussing cultural beliefs.

What's the difference between "according to lore" and "according to legend"?

"According to lore" generally refers to a broader range of traditional knowledge, while "according to legend" specifically relates to stories passed down through generations, often with mythical or exaggerated elements.