had a saying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had a saying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a common expression or proverb that someone or a group of people used to express a particular idea or sentiment. Example: "My grandmother always had a saying: 'A stitch in time saves nine.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"My mother had a saying," he said.

The New York Times

He had a saying: "Any fool can lose money".

The New York Times

"He always had a saying of 'Why not us?

The New York Times - Sports

"My mother had a saying that I always loved: 'Never interpret kindness for weakness.' ".

The New York Times

"Danny had a saying: 'I'll see what I can do,' " she said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I've always had a saying: 'Think big; dream bigger,"' he said.

The New York Times

"He had a saying for it, but I can't remember what it was".

The New York Times

The great science-fiction novelist Alfred Bester had a saying: "The book is the boss".

The New Yorker

"Before this we had a saying, 'You can't resist the headlines of Clarín for four days'.

The Guardian

My college coach had a saying, which was that oats move boats, so I'm a religious oatmeal eater before races.

The New York Times

Ronaldo had a saying about limiting his defensive work to preserve his energy: "Too much water kills the plant".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "had a saying" to introduce proverbs or expressions that are characteristic of a person, group, or time period, adding authenticity and depth to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid misattributing sayings. Always verify the source or origin of the saying before attributing it to someone, as incorrect attribution can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had a saying" functions as an introductory phrase to report a proverb, maxim, or common expression used by someone. Ludwig examples showcase its use across diverse contexts and confirms this pattern.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "had a saying" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce a proverb, maxim, or frequently used expression. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, from news and media to academia and formal business settings. When using "had a saying", ensure the attributed saying adds meaningful context and is accurately sourced. While versatile, consider alternatives such as "used to say" or "was known for saying" to provide subtle variations in meaning. The examples provided by Ludwig, coupled with the analysis of its usage patterns, offer a comprehensive guide to effectively incorporating this phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Had a saying that went

Explicitly introduces the specific wording of the saying.

Had a favorite expression

Emphasizes the personal preference for a certain phrase.

Used to say

Focuses on the act of regularly speaking a particular phrase.

Was fond of saying

Implies an affection or liking for a particular phrase.

Was known for saying

Highlights that someone was recognized for regularly uttering a specific phrase.

Would often say

Indicates a repeated action of speaking a phrase in the past.

Had a motto

Implies a guiding principle or belief, rather than just an expression.

Commonly stated

Highlights the frequency with which a statement was made.

Often remarked

Indicates a frequent comment or observation.

Had a catchphrase

Suggests a well-known and frequently used phrase, often associated with a particular person or character.

FAQs

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

You can use "had a saying" to introduce a proverb or common expression that someone used regularly. For example, "My grandfather "had a saying": 'Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.'"

What are some alternatives to "had a saying"?

Alternatives include phrases like "used to say", "was known for saying", or "often remarked", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "had a saying" in formal writing?

Yes, "had a saying" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when you're quoting a notable figure or referencing a well-known expression. However, ensure that the saying itself is relevant and adds value to your argument or narrative.

What's the difference between "had a saying" and "had a motto"?

"Had a saying" generally refers to a specific phrase or expression someone frequently used, while "had a motto" implies a guiding principle or belief. A motto is typically more formal and reflects core values, whereas a saying can be more casual and situational.