favorite motto

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "favorite motto" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a personal saying or principle that someone particularly likes or identifies with. Example: "My favorite motto is 'Live and let live,' as it reminds me to be more accepting of others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Barthes was suspicious of language's intended meanings; his favorite motto was "Larvatus prodeo" ("I advance pointing to my mask").

The New York Times - Books

After reading Mitt's demoralized letters, his father sent back a favorite motto: "Despair not, but if you despair, work on in your despair".

The New York Times

If Helen Gurley Brown's favorite motto is true — "Good girls go to heaven; bad girls go everywhere" — she is now holding court in a hot place, surrounded by handsome devils.

The New Yorker

Still, for a group that tends to be more comfortable showing solidarity from behind the warm glow of a computer screen -- by changing a profile picture or reposting a favorite motto -- it was a considerable showing.

The New York Times

Ira Elegant, a Miami lawyer who once worked for Mr. Posner, told The Journal that the favorite motto of his former boss was "I buy by the mile and sell by the inch".

The New York Times

He declared that how the Yankees finished, not the way they had started, was most important, and he barreled toward Manager Joe Torre's Yankee Stadium office to repeat that favorite motto.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

In his prime, Norman was one of golf's most charismatic players, playing a high-risk game, wearing his shark logo hats and playing the game with the approach of one of his favorite mottos: attack life.

The New York Times - Sports

One of his favorite mottoes was, "Socialism is coming all the time.

Huffington Post

Babb was involved in the production and marketing of many films and television shows, promoting each according to his favorite marketing motto: "You gotta tell 'em to sell 'em".

Wikipedia

Michelle Feiner: Yep, that's one of my favorite business mottos: find a need and fill it.

Huffington Post

As we were chatting, Camille told me one of her favorite quotes and mottos by Muhammad Ali: "Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "favorite motto" to succinctly convey a person's guiding principle or philosophy in biographical or descriptive writing. It's a concise way to reveal character.

Common error

Avoid using "favorite motto" in overly formal or academic contexts where more precise language, such as "guiding principle" or "core philosophy", might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "favorite motto" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'favorite' modifies the noun 'motto'. It identifies a particular saying or principle that someone prefers or values. Ludwig AI indicates this usage is correct and understandable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "favorite motto" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrase used to describe a guiding principle or saying that someone particularly values. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not overly formal, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When using the phrase, consider providing context to illustrate how the motto influences decisions or behaviors. More formal alternatives like "guiding principle" or "core value" may be suitable for academic or professional writing. This analysis helps ensure clarity and appropriateness in various communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preferred saying

Replaces "motto" with a more general term for a saying and keeps the adjective "preferred" as a personal descriptor.

personal motto

Focuses on the individual's adoption of the motto, highlighting its personal significance.

cherished maxim

Replaces both "favorite" and "motto" with more formal synonyms, slightly elevating the tone.

guiding principle

Shifts the focus from a saying to a core belief that directs one's actions and decisions.

life philosophy

Broadens the concept to encompass a comprehensive set of beliefs that shape one's approach to life.

core belief

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of the belief as a central tenet.

pet phrase

Suggests a phrase that someone uses repeatedly and with fondness.

go-to saying

Implies a phrase that is readily used in various situations.

catchphrase

Highlights a phrase that is particularly associated with someone, often used in a memorable way.

signature slogan

Implies a distinctive and recognizable phrase that represents someone's values or brand.

FAQs

How can I use "favorite motto" in a sentence?

You can use "favorite motto" to describe a guiding principle that someone often refers to or lives by. For example, "Her "favorite motto" was 'never give up', which helped her overcome many challenges".

What's a more formal alternative to "favorite motto"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "guiding principle", "core value", or "philosophical tenet". These options provide a similar meaning but are suitable for academic or professional settings.

What's the difference between "favorite motto" and "personal philosophy"?

"Favorite motto" refers to a specific saying that guides someone, while "personal philosophy" is a broader, more developed set of beliefs and values. A "favorite motto" can be a concise expression of one's "personal philosophy".

Is it appropriate to use "favorite motto" in professional writing?

While "favorite motto" is acceptable, using more formal terms like "guiding principle" or "core value" may be more suitable in professional contexts. The choice depends on the overall tone and audience of the writing.