pet phrase

USAGE SUMMARY

"pet phrase" is an appropriate phrase to use in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a phrase or saying commonly used by an individual or group. For example: "He had a unique pet phrase for any occasion – 'A rose by any other name would smell as sweet'".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Literature

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

In other words, you wind up adopting a pet phrase.

The New Yorker

Popovich has a pet phrase, adopted from Jacob Riis's stonecutter analogy.

The New York Times - Sports

"Amar'e's a big piece to what we do," Woodson insisted again Friday, invoking his pet phrase.

The New York Times - Sports

Ms. Falco talked about the "meta-feeling," a pet phrase of one of their old professors.

The New York Times

But that's that, and this is this" — a pet phrase of hers, apparently.

The New Yorker

Such, to borrow the pet phrase of their coach, Mike Tomlin, is life for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

He gently mocked the Fed's pet phrases.

The Economist

He was awe-inspiring or, to use one of his pet phrases, "mind-boggling".

The New York Times

"Do you hate it?" the assistant asked, borrowing one of Mr. Blass's pet phrases.

The New York Times - Style

She sings all the time, usually current pop hits, and has a silly side, manifest in her pet phrases.

The New York Times

One of Sampson's pet phrases – and he does rather like a cliche – is "we're in a good place".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When quoting a "pet phrase", ensure accurate attribution to avoid misrepresentation of the speaker's style or intent.

Common error

Avoid using "pet phrase" to refer to common idioms or well-known sayings. A "pet phrase" is specific to an individual, not a general expression. It should be something that can be directly attributed to that person's style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pet phrase" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates it is used to describe a saying or expression that is commonly used by someone.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "pet phrase" refers to a saying or expression that is characteristic of a person. Ludwig AI confirms it’s appropriate for use in written English. Analysis reveals it's commonly found in news and media, denoting personal communication quirks. To avoid confusion, remember that a "pet phrase" is not a common idiom, but a recurring element in an individual’s speech. Alternatives include "signature phrase" and "favorite saying".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

favorite phrase

This alternative changes "pet" to "favorite", indicating a liking for the phrase.

signature phrase

This alternative suggests that the phrase is uniquely associated with a person.

oft-repeated phrase

This alternative emphasizes the frequent repetition of the phrase.

catchphrase

This alternative is a single word, suggesting a phrase that is well-known or associated with a particular person.

preferred expression

This alternative focuses on the user's choice to use a specific phrase.

recurring phrase

This alternative emphasizes the repetitive use of the phrase.

favorite saying

This alternative is more general, referring to a saying that someone likes to use.

usual expression

This alternative is a simpler and more direct way of saying that someone frequently uses a particular expression.

customary saying

This alternative focuses on the habitual nature of using a particular saying.

common expression

This alternative highlights the frequency of use of a particular expression.

FAQs

How can I use "pet phrase" in a sentence?

You can use "pet phrase" to describe a recurring expression someone uses, like: "His "favorite phrase" was 'at the end of the day'".

What's a good alternative to "pet phrase"?

Alternatives include "signature phrase", "catchphrase", or "favorite saying", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to have a "pet phrase"?

Not necessarily. While overuse of a "pet phrase" can be repetitive, it can also be a distinctive and recognizable part of someone's communication style. It depends on the context and the phrase itself.

What's the difference between a "pet phrase" and an idiom?

A "pet phrase" is a specific expression favored by an individual, whereas an idiom is a common expression with a figurative meaning. An idiom is widely understood, while a "pet phrase" is personal.