have a saying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have a saying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a proverb or a common expression that conveys a particular idea or belief. Example: "In our family, we have a saying: 'A stitch in time saves nine.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I have a saying," Patterson told me.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We have a saying," Stojanovic said.

The New Yorker

"We Iranians have a saying.

The New York Times

"We have a saying," said Mr. Steeple.

The New York Times

"We have a saying," Gansz said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We have a saying -- celebrate humanity," she said.

The New York Times

"We have a saying in Farsi," he replied.

The New Yorker

The Italians have a saying that translates as self-wounding.

The New York Times - Sports

"We have a saying in Holland," he said.

The New Yorker

"We librarians have a saying," he said with a grin.

The New York Times

"We have a saying in our religion," Mr. Kouitene said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have a saying", ensure the saying is relevant and adds value to your point. Avoid using clichés unnecessarily.

Common error

Avoid misattributing sayings to incorrect cultures or sources. Always verify the origin and accurate wording of a saying before using it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a saying" functions as an introductory phrase. It's used to preface a common expression, proverb, or adage, setting the stage for the wisdom or cultural insight that follows. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have a saying" is a grammatically sound and very common way to introduce a proverb or common expression. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts but also appears in scientific discussions and formal business settings. When using this phrase, be sure to accurately attribute the saying and ensure it is relevant to your discussion. Alternatives like "there's a saying" or "it's a common expression" can also be employed depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there's a saying

This alternative is more general and doesn't specify who holds the saying.

the saying goes

A shortened version of "as the saying goes", it emphasizes a commonly known piece of wisdom.

it's a common expression

This alternative refers to the phrase as a widespread idiom, emphasizing its conventional use.

people often say

This highlights that the saying is in frequent use, focusing on general human expression.

the expression is

This alternative introduces a specific phrase, focusing on its linguistic form.

a popular adage states

This alternative introduces a well-known proverb with a more formal tone.

as the proverb goes

This option explicitly references a proverb, highlighting its traditional nature.

we often hear

Suggests that the speaker has frequently encountered the saying.

it is often said that

This phrase introduces a widely accepted truth or belief.

the common wisdom dictates

This option implies that the saying is a part of a collective understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "have a saying" to introduce a proverb or common expression, such as "We "have a saying": 'Look before you leap'".

What are some alternatives to "have a saying"?

Alternatives include "there's a saying", "it's a common expression", or "as the proverb goes", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "we have a saying" or "we've a saying"?

"We "have a saying"" is more common and grammatically standard. "We've a saying" is less frequent but acceptable in some dialects.

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

"Have a saying" usually introduces a general proverb, while "have a motto" refers to a specific guiding principle or slogan, often for a group or individual. For example, a family might "have a saying" about resilience, but their motto might be "Never give up".