fond of saying

USAGE SUMMARY

'fond of saying' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to like to say or repeat something often. For example, "My grandmother was fond of saying 'you can never have too many books' whenever I visited her home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The divorce, she was fond of saying, did not take.

The New York Times - Arts

Reading is the answer to everything, I'm fond of saying.

The New York Times

"Hostile ears are always listening," he was fond of saying.

The New Yorker

"I teach class," Mrs. Powell was fond of saying.

The New York Times - Arts

The Democrats are fond of saying this is settled law.

The New Yorker

As Fraser is fond of saying, "There goes the neighborhood".

The New Yorker

"Bury your mistakes," Rupert Murdoch is fond of saying.

The New York Times

"Man is nature," he is fond of saying.

The New York Times

"Dead bodies do tell tales," he was fond of saying.

The New York Times

"We chose a philosophy," Laporta is fond of saying.

The Guardian - Sport

Decorators are fond of saying it's all in the edit.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fond of saying" to attribute a frequently repeated quote or saying to a specific individual or group. This adds a personal touch and emphasizes the speaker's characteristic expression.

Common error

Avoid using "fond of saying" if the quote or statement is not genuinely characteristic of the person or group you are attributing it to. Ensure the saying is a recognizable part of their typical expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fond of saying" functions as an introductory phrase used to attribute a frequently repeated statement or quote to a specific person or group. Ludwig showcases examples from news, media, and literature where this phrase is used to add character or context to the speaker's words.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fond of saying" is a common and acceptable way to introduce a quote or statement that is characteristic of a particular person or group. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, especially in News & Media. While alternatives like "inclined to say" or "in the habit of saying" exist, "fond of saying" offers a balanced tone suitable for both formal and informal writing. The key is to use it accurately, attributing the saying only when it genuinely reflects a recurring expression. Overall, this phrase is a versatile tool for adding depth and context to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inclined to say

Emphasizes a tendency or predisposition to say something.

in the habit of saying

Highlights the repetitive nature of the saying as a habitual action.

prone to remarking

Suggests a susceptibility or likelihood to make a particular comment.

apt to mention

Indicates a natural tendency to bring up a specific topic or idea.

known to state

Focuses on the established knowledge of someone's repeated statement.

given to expressing

Highlights the act of verbalizing a thought or feeling regularly.

disposed to assert

Implies a willingness or readiness to confidently declare something.

liable to declare

Suggests a potential or probability of making a certain declaration.

partial to noting

Indicates a preference for pointing out a specific detail or observation.

wont to announce

Highlights a customary practice of making a particular announcement.

FAQs

How can I use "fond of saying" in a sentence?

Use "fond of saying" to introduce a quote or statement that someone frequently repeats. For example, "My grandfather was "fond of saying", 'Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise'.

What are some alternatives to "fond of saying"?

Alternatives include "inclined to say", "in the habit of saying", or "prone to remarking", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "fond of saying" in formal writing?

Yes, "fond of saying" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, as it is a common and widely understood phrase. It is frequently used in "news and media" as exemplified by several instances in the New York Times.

Can "fond of saying" be used for inanimate objects or abstract concepts?

No, "fond of saying" is typically used to describe people or groups of people who frequently repeat a particular phrase or saying. It would not be appropriate to use it for inanimate objects or abstract concepts.