say adieu

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "say adieu" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a farewell or goodbye, often in a more formal or poetic context. Example: "As the evening came to a close, it was time to say adieu to our friends and head home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

We cannot say au revoir, but must now say adieu.

The New York Times

"Well, sports fan, I hear you find it hard to say adieu?" He gave me a dirty grin.

The New York Times - Books

Before one can say, "Adieu," Act II will end in a joyful celebration of neighborly good will.

The New York Times

Calling the anniversary celebration "a moment of infinite magic and tremendous joy," Valentino said that this seemed "the perfect moment to say adieu to the world of fashion".

The New York Times

His task was to get himself out of a hole of his own making on Britain's potential exit from the European Union, woo back Tory voters attracted by Ukip and manage those of his increasingly militant backbenchers whose goal is to say adieu to EU membership.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was fair to assume that many fans who had come along for the ride with the franchise at some point in its 14-year life would be keen to see it to say adieu to Walker and his character Brian O'Conner.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"I had said adieu.

The Guardian

I am saying adieu to you, and to Antoine.

The New Yorker

It was part-cheerful, part-rueful, Blair's way of saying adieu to his European vision.

The Guardian

But French wasn't our language of communication: we said our first sweet words in English, and it was in English that we said adieu.

The New York Times

And with their game at Yankee Stadium last night, the Minnesota Twins and the Yankees said adieu to each other for the season.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "say adieu" when you want to add a touch of elegance or formality to your farewell, especially in writing or speeches.

Common error

Avoid using "say adieu" in casual conversation; it can sound overly theatrical or pretentious. Opt for simpler expressions like "goodbye" or "see you later" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "say adieu" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the action of expressing a farewell. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct. Examples show its use in contexts of departures and endings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "say adieu" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a farewell, though it carries a more formal tone than a simple "goodbye". Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and presence in various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While less common in everyday conversation, "say adieu" adds a touch of elegance to written and spoken farewells, offering a nuanced alternative to more commonplace expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bid farewell

This alternative is more common and less formal.

utter a goodbye

This alternative focuses on the act of speaking a farewell.

express one's adieu

This alternative is a more verbose and slightly more formal.

extend a farewell

This alternative emphasizes the gesture of offering a farewell.

wish someone farewell

This alternative focuses on wishing someone well as they depart.

offer a valediction

This alternative is highly formal and literary.

take leave

This alternative conveys departure, focusing on the act of leaving.

part with a farewell

This alternative describes the act of parting while expressing a farewell.

recite a farewell

This alternative implies a formal or ceremonial farewell.

wave goodbye

This alternative conveys a non-verbal form of farewell.

FAQs

How to use "say adieu" in a sentence?

You can use "say adieu" when you want to express a formal farewell. For example, "It was difficult to "say adieu" to my colleagues after working together for many years".

What can I say instead of "say adieu"?

You can use alternatives like "bid farewell", "offer a valediction", or "take leave" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "say adieu" or "bid adieu"?

Both "say adieu" and "bid adieu" are correct, but "bid adieu" is more commonly used. "Say adieu" emphasizes the act of speaking a farewell, while "bid adieu" focuses on the overall act of parting.

What's the difference between "say adieu" and "say goodbye"?

"Say adieu" is a more formal and less common way of "saying goodbye". "Say goodbye" is a more general and frequently used expression.