popular adage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "popular adage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a well-known saying or proverb that expresses a general truth or principle. Example: "As the popular adage goes, 'A stitch in time saves nine,' which emphasizes the importance of addressing problems early."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

A POPULAR adage contends that "every Turk is born a soldier".

The Economist

Two contradictory statements have been telescoped into a line whose homely, admonitory sound conveys the impression of a popular adage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is a popular adage that says that it is a sign of insanity when you keep repeating the same action, over and over, hoping for a different outcome than the one you are getting.

The New York Times

Another type of incongruity between form and content yields the bogus proverb: "The rule is: jam tomorrow and jam yesterday but never jam today". Two contradictory statements have been telescoped into a line whose homely, admonitory sound conveys the impression of a popular adage.

Britannica

To throw in a popular adage: If you can see it you can be it.

Forbes

Location, location, location the popular adage implies a property's geographical site is the most important consideration in determining its value.

Johns Hopkins University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

One of the most popular adages among China watchers today is: "The hills are high, and the emperor is far away".

The New York Times

One of the most popular adages among China watchers today is: "The hills are high, and the emperor is far away". Our maps show a world of about 200 countries, but the number of effective authorities is hundreds more.

The New York Times

One of the more popular adages is not raising money when your back is to the wall and instead raising money when you can, under better terms.

TechCrunch

"The Russians are treacherous" is a popular Turkish adage.

The Economist

You'll be familiar with the popular Hollywood adage, "Nobody knows anything", which begs the question: why would an investor go anywhere near the movie business?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "popular adage", ensure that the adage you are referring to is genuinely well-known to your target audience to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.

Common error

Be mindful of overusing "popular adage" to introduce clichés. While effective occasionally, relying too heavily on well-worn sayings can make your writing seem unoriginal and predictable. Strive for a balance between familiar expressions and fresh perspectives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "popular adage" functions as a noun phrase, often used as an appositive or introductory element in a sentence. It sets the stage for introducing a familiar saying or proverb. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase introduces a commonly known piece of wisdom.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

24%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "popular adage" is a commonly used phrase that introduces well-known sayings or proverbs, adding a sense of familiarity and shared wisdom to writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears frequently across various contexts, especially in news media and academic sources. While effective, it's important to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse of clichés and ensuring the selected adage resonates with the intended audience. Alternatives like "common saying" or "well-known proverb" can offer slightly different nuances depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common saying

This alternative is a more general term, lacking the nuance of age or established wisdom that "adage" implies.

well-known proverb

This alternative specifically refers to a short, popular saying that expresses a common truth or belief.

familiar maxim

This alternative emphasizes a general truth or rule of conduct widely accepted and known.

widely used expression

This alternative is a broader term, encompassing any phrase or saying that is commonly used.

generally accepted wisdom

This alternative focuses on the idea of knowledge or beliefs that are widely considered true or sensible.

time-honored saying

This alternative suggests a saying that has been respected and followed for a long time.

established principle

This alternative conveys a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior.

oft-repeated phrase

This alternative highlights the frequency with which the phrase is used.

conventional wisdom

This alternative refers to beliefs or ideas that are generally accepted as true, even if they are not always accurate.

folk wisdom

This alternative specifies that the wisdom comes from traditional customs and beliefs of a community.

FAQs

How can I incorporate "popular adage" into my writing?

You can use "popular adage" to introduce a well-known saying or proverb, adding context or emphasis to your point. For instance, "As the "popular adage" goes, 'actions speak louder than words,' highlighting the importance of deeds over mere promises."

What phrases can I use instead of "popular adage"?

Alternatives include "common saying", "well-known proverb", or "familiar maxim", each offering a slightly different shade of meaning while maintaining the core idea of a widely recognized truth.

Is it redundant to say "old popular adage"?

Yes, saying "old "popular adage"" can be redundant because an "adage" is generally understood to be an old and well-known saying. Using just "popular adage" is typically sufficient.

What is the difference between "popular adage" and "common belief"?

A ""popular adage"" is a short, traditional saying expressing a general truth, while "common belief" refers to a widely held idea or opinion that may not necessarily be expressed as a concise saying. An adage is more about conveying established wisdom in a memorable form.