common saying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "common saying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a phrase or expression that is widely known and often used, usually to communicate a particular idea or sentiment. For example: "A penny saved is a penny earned" is a common saying that suggests frugality and thriftiness.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

"Without açaí, I'm still hungry" is a common saying.

The New Yorker

It is a common saying that men can have children at high ages.

Princeton University

There's a common saying: When you hear hoof beats, think horses, not zebras.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Only believe something when the government denies it," is a common saying.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is a common saying in Israel: elections are not won; they are lost.

The New Yorker

A common saying on Capitol Hill was that there are actually three parties in Congress — Republicans, Democrats and Appropriators.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

"It's fairly common," says Claman.

Harvard Business Review

Such experiences are common, said Lawton.

The Guardian

"They definitely want to hear something familiar," Common said.

The New York Times - Arts

Mahdi-complexes are common, says a Tehran psychiatrist.

The Economist

Among foreign buyers, Americans are the most common, said Ms. Harrison.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "common saying" to introduce a phrase that is widely known and used by many people to express a general truth or belief. For instance, "'Actions speak louder than words' is a common saying that emphasizes the importance of deeds over promises."

Common error

Avoid attributing a "common saying" to a specific individual unless you have verifiable evidence. Common sayings are often of unknown or ancient origin, so it's safer to present them as generally known phrases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common saying" functions as a noun phrase that introduces or refers to a widely known and frequently used expression. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "common saying" is a versatile and frequently used expression in the English language, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions to introduce well-known phrases or adages, drawing on shared cultural knowledge. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news and media to academic writing. While grammatically straightforward, it is important to use "common saying" accurately, avoiding misattributions and ensuring the phrase it introduces is indeed widely recognized. Consider related phrases such as "popular expression" or "familiar quote" for nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

popular expression

Focuses on the widespread acceptance and use of a phrase.

well-known adage

Highlights the traditional and widely recognized nature of the saying.

familiar quote

Emphasizes that the saying is a recognized quotation.

established idiom

Indicates that the saying is a standard idiomatic expression.

generally accepted truth

Shifts the focus to the perceived truth or wisdom conveyed by the saying.

time-honored phrase

Highlights that the saying is a phrase that has been respected because it has existed for a long time.

conventional wisdom

Emphasizes the saying as a widely held belief or idea.

proverbial statement

Indicates that the saying is a proverb, a short, popular saying, usually of unknown and ancient origin, that expresses effectively some commonplace truth or useful thought.

widely circulated idea

Focuses on the widespread distribution and acceptance of the concept expressed in the saying.

oft-repeated phrase

Highlights the frequency with which the saying is used.

FAQs

How can I use "common saying" in a sentence?

You can use "common saying" to introduce a well-known phrase or expression. For example, "'Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise' is a "common saying" about the benefits of waking up early." In other examples, you can use "popular expression" or "well-known adage".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "common saying"?

Alternatives to "common saying" include "popular expression", "familiar quote", or "established idiom". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a common saying that says"?

While it's grammatically correct, it can be slightly redundant. Consider rephrasing it to "a "common saying" is" or "as the "common saying" goes" for a more concise style.

What's the difference between a "common saying" and a proverb?

A "common saying" is a general term for any widely known phrase. A proverb, like "proverbial statement", is a specific type of saying that expresses a general truth or piece of advice, often with a metaphorical or allegorical element.