old sayings

USAGE SUMMARY

"old sayings" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to traditional or proverbial phrases that have been passed down through generations and are still commonly used today. You can use this phrase to refer to a specific saying or to a collection of sayings that have been around for a long time. For example: - "The teacher reminded us of the old saying, 'practice makes perfect.'" - "Some people still live by the old saying, 'a penny saved is a penny earned.'" - "The book is full of old sayings and proverbs from various cultures." - "My grandmother always had a wise old saying for every situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"I suspect we're in a position where we throw out all of the old sayings and perceptions, and probably all of the old behaviors as well," says Rick Horrow, a consultant to sports teams and leagues for more than 20 years.

The New York Times - Sports

One of the old sayings in sport is success breeds success.

The New York Times - Sports

In India, ancient tales and old sayings reveal a deeply engrained preference for boys over girls.

The New York Times

If one excises the spurious old sayings attributed to Hopi Indians, the chapter might be only two pages.

The New York Times

Like most old sayings, this one contains some truth but is a little wide of the mark.

The New York Times - Books

Paging disconsolately through the almanac, I was floored by the number of supposedly canny old sayings whose meaning completely escaped me.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

THERE'S AN OLD SAYING ABOUT CORPORATE leaders: "If you want to be a winner, all you need do is follow a loser".

Forbes

AS THE OLD SAYING GOES, an average dentist can fix your teeth, but an average money manager isn't worth anything at all you'd do better with an index fund.

Forbes

One of golf's oldest sayings is, "Beware the ailing golfer".

The New York Times - Sports

Skip to next paragraph Editorial Series New York State Government The Bruno case is a pointed example of one of the oldest sayings in Albany: It's not what's illegal there that's scandalous, it's what's legal.

The New York Times

Like any major championship, the Masters has often boiled down to making or missing crucial putts on the back nine's slippery greens, as defined in one of golf's oldest sayings: "Drive for show.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "old sayings", consider your audience and the context to ensure the saying is still relevant and easily understood. Some sayings might be outdated or culturally specific.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "old sayings" in your writing. While they can add color and emphasis, overuse can make your writing seem unoriginal and predictable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "old sayings" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to traditional or proverbial expressions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "old sayings" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase referring to traditional proverbs and expressions. As per Ludwig AI, it’s a common phrase. Predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, its usage spans from neutral to formal registers. Related phrases include “traditional proverbs” and “age-old adages”. When incorporating "old sayings" into your writing, remember to consider the audience, avoid overuse, and ensure relevance. Be aware that some may be outdated or culturally insensitive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

traditional proverbs

Emphasizes the traditional and proverbial nature of the sayings.

age-old adages

Highlights the age and wisdom associated with the sayings.

time-honored maxims

Focuses on the respect and value given to these sayings over time.

ancient wisdom

Emphasizes the knowledge and insight contained within the sayings.

folk wisdom

Highlights the origin of the sayings in popular culture and tradition.

common proverbs

Refers to sayings widely known and used by people.

established idioms

Focuses on the idiomatic nature and widespread acceptance of the sayings.

well-known expressions

Emphasizes the familiarity and recognition of the sayings.

customary sayings

Focuses on sayings generally used.

conventional wisdom

Refers to sayings that have been accepted as true for a long time.

FAQs

How can I use "old sayings" effectively in my writing?

Use "old sayings" sparingly and ensure they resonate with your audience and the context of your writing. Too many can make your writing seem cliché. Choose sayings that add value and clarity.

What's the difference between "old sayings" and proverbs?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, "old sayings" is a broader category that includes proverbs, adages, and other traditional expressions. Proverbs are typically short, wise statements, while "old sayings" can encompass a wider range of expressions.

Are there any "old sayings" that should be avoided in modern writing?

Some "old sayings" may contain outdated or offensive language. It's best to avoid sayings that perpetuate stereotypes or are insensitive to certain groups. Always consider the potential impact of your words.

What can I say instead of "old sayings"?

You can use alternatives like "traditional proverbs", "age-old adages", or "time-honored maxims" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.