based on the saying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "based on the saying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something is derived from or influenced by a particular saying or proverb. Example: "Based on the saying, 'A stitch in time saves nine,' we should address the issue now before it escalates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Trump has built his campaign based on the saying "bad publicity is better than no publicity".

The Guardian - Opinion

AN unusual promotion planned for the Indianapolis 500 is based on the saying that the only difference between men and boys is the size of their toys.

The New York Times

It is based on the saying of John the Baptist: "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1 29).

Encyclopedia Britannica

One song, "Wariba" (based on the saying "Money doesn't create happiness, but it contributes"), also used the n'goni, a hunters' harp similar to a kora.

The New York Times - Arts

The decision to observe Remembrance Day right before Independence Day is based on the saying, "In their death, they have commanded unto as life".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This makes it reasonable to define the optimization problem based on the said criteria of the SNPP technical level.

Nuclear Energy and Technology

Based on the said design, 46 students (12 people constituting the in-group and 34 people constituting the out-group) were included in the study.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

This study identifies the presence and absence of landscape principles of Defensible Space theory in the chosen effected premises and provides modification based on the said theory in the existing guideline for the kindergarten landscape development in Malaysia.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

"If we continue arresting and prosecuting people based on the said laws and later such laws are found to be unconstitutional, it would be an embarrassment to government," he said.

The New York Times

Based on the said parameters and the elapsed time since a bundle was generated, a per bundle delivery utility is calculated.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

First, a number of clothes designs are crossed over by a combination of clothes components and fabric patterns, based on the said laws, and then are presented to the user for giving their opinions.

Fashion and Textiles

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "based on the saying" to connect an idea, action, or decision directly to a proverb or well-known expression, adding authority or cultural context to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "based on the saying" too frequently in academic or business writing where direct evidence or data is more appropriate. Relying too much on sayings can make your argument seem anecdotal rather than factual.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "based on the saying" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the foundation or rationale behind an action or idea. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "based on the saying" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to link an idea or action to a well-known proverb or expression. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is valid and appears most frequently in news and media. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in contexts that require more direct evidence. Remember to use alternatives like "drawing from the saying" or "according to the saying" for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drawing from the saying

Replaces "based on" with "drawing from", emphasizing the source of inspiration.

according to the saying

Replaces "based on" with "according to", presenting the saying as an authority.

stemming from the saying

Uses "stemming from" to suggest the saying is the origin of something.

derived from the saying

Emphasizes the origin with "derived from".

founded on the saying

Suggests a more solid base or justification.

predicated on the saying

Implies a logical basis or assumption.

in line with the saying

Indicates alignment or agreement with the saying.

reflecting the saying

Suggests the action or idea mirrors the saying.

inspired by the saying

Highlights the motivational aspect of the saying.

taking its cue from the saying

Presents the saying as a guide or prompt.

FAQs

How can I use "based on the saying" in a sentence?

You can use "based on the saying" to introduce a concept or action that is inspired by a well-known proverb. For example, "Based on the saying, 'A penny saved is a penny earned,' I started saving early."

What's a formal alternative to "based on the saying"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "drawing from the saying" or "according to the saying" in academic or professional writing.

Is it always appropriate to use "based on the saying"?

While generally correct, "based on the saying" might not be suitable for highly technical or scientific contexts where empirical evidence is preferred over anecdotal wisdom. Consider the context and audience.

What's the difference between "based on the saying" and "inspired by the saying"?

"Based on the saying" implies a direct logical connection or justification derived from a proverb, while "inspired by the saying" suggests that the saying served as a motivational or creative spark, but the connection might be less direct.