as the legend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as the legend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is well-known or established, often in a narrative or storytelling context. Example: "As the legend goes, the hero embarked on a quest to save the kingdom from darkness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

TO his teammates, Joe Montana is revered as the Legend.

The New York Times - Sports

After that, as the legend goes, he didn't really have to say much of anything.

The New York Times - Sports

As the legend surrounding Valentino's collections grows, so too do the myths about the man himself.

Independent

It was, as the legend has it, "the switch in time that saved the nine".

The New Yorker

As the legend of the Incline grows, so does Fretta's place in it.

The New York Times - Sports

As the legend goes, Lehua and ʻŌhiʻa were two young Hawaiian lovers.

The Washington Post

Those figures loomed over the crowd, but not as much as the legend of the man.

The New York Times - Sports

As the legend goes, football programs rake in millions, allowing athletic departments to indulge.

The New York Times - Sports

In the beginning was "Tallulah Hallelujah!," with Tovah Feldshuh as the legend.

The New York Times

Pretended to be Irish just to annoy the French as the legend Roche won.

The Guardian - Sport

There were some ad-libs, but not nearly as much as the legend would have it".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as the legend" to introduce a well-known story or belief, especially when you want to create a sense of timelessness or mystique. For example: "As the legend goes, the treasure is hidden beneath the ancient oak tree."

Common error

Avoid using "as the legend" to introduce factual information or historical events. Legends are often embellished or fictional stories, so using this phrase inappropriately can undermine the credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as the legend" functions as an introductory conjunction phrase, setting the stage for a narrative or piece of information rooted in traditional stories. It signals that what follows is not necessarily factual but is part of a widely known or circulated tale. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as the legend" is a grammatically sound and very common introductory phrase used to preface stories or beliefs passed down through generations. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable. Its primary function is to connect narratives with folklore, often found in neutral contexts like news and media. While versatile, it's best used to introduce information that isn't necessarily factual but carries cultural or historical weight. Remember to avoid using it for purely factual information to maintain clarity and credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

according to legend

Replaces the connective 'as' with 'according to', emphasizing the source of the information.

the legend says

Directly states the legend as the source of information.

the story goes

Substitutes "legend" with the more general term "story", suitable for less formal contexts.

it is said that

A more impersonal construction, removing direct reference to "legend".

tradition holds that

Emphasizes the traditional aspect of the belief or tale.

popular belief suggests

Highlights the widespread acceptance of the idea.

folklore dictates

Implies that the information comes from folklore traditions.

the tale recounts

Replaces legend with "tale" and focuses on the act of recounting.

history suggests

Frames the legend as having historical basis.

in legendary lore

Positions the statement within the broader context of legendary lore.

FAQs

How can I use "as the legend" in a sentence?

Use "as the legend" to introduce a story or belief passed down through generations, often with some embellishment or mythical elements. For example: "As the legend has it, the city was founded by a goddess."

What can I say instead of "as the legend"?

You can use alternatives like "according to legend", "the story goes", or "it is said that" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "as the legend" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "as the legend" may be more suitable for narrative or descriptive writing. In formal or academic contexts, consider alternatives like "according to historical accounts" or "tradition holds that".

What's the difference between "as the legend" and "as the myth"?

"As the legend" usually refers to a story with some basis in reality, potentially embellished over time. "As the myth" refers to a story that is entirely fictional or symbolic, often used to explain natural phenomena or cultural practices. Both are similar but the context determines the best choice.