the adage

USAGE SUMMARY

"the adage" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
An adage is a proverb or short saying that expresses a general truth or provides practical advice. For example, you could use the phrase "the adage" in a sentence like this: "As the adage goes, 'A stitch in time saves nine'."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So the adage holds.

The New York Times - Food

Success breeds imitation, the adage goes.

The New York Times - Arts

As the adage goes, opposites attract.

The New York Times

PUBLISH or perish runs the adage.

The Economist

WAR is hell, goes the adage.

The New York Times - Books

The adage is telling for presidencies.

The New York Times

Game, as the adage says, recognizes game.

The New Yorker

Certainly Braff sticks to the adage: write what you know.

Independent

Treat them mean, goes the adage, and keep them keen.

Independent

Wong proves the adage: there's always room for one more.

The New Yorker

In advertising, the adage is that "sex sells".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the adage", ensure the saying you are referencing is genuinely well-known. Overusing obscure adages can confuse your audience.

Common error

Ensure you accurately represent the adage's original meaning and context. Twisting or misinterpreting it can undermine your argument and confuse readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the adage" functions as a noun phrase that introduces or refers to a well-known saying, proverb, or general truth. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, demonstrating its role in setting the stage for a commonly accepted principle or piece of wisdom.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the adage" is a frequently used phrase, as Ludwig AI indicates, to introduce a well-known saying or proverb. Its primary function is to invoke shared knowledge and support arguments, predominantly within news and media contexts. When using "the adage", ensure the saying is widely recognized and accurately represented. Alternatives like "as the saying goes" offer similar ways to express traditional wisdom, making "the adage" a versatile tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as the saying goes

Replaces "adage" with "saying", emphasizing the common or traditional nature of the statement.

the proverb says

Substitutes "adage" with "proverb", highlighting the statement's origin as a traditional piece of wisdom.

as the old saying goes

Adds "old" to emphasize the age and established nature of the saying.

the common wisdom is

Replaces "adage" with a broader term, "common wisdom", suggesting a widely held belief.

the saying is

Simplifies the phrase by using the general term "saying" instead of "adage".

it is often said

Shifts the focus to the act of saying rather than the saying itself.

popular belief holds that

Replaces "adage" with a more descriptive phrase highlighting the widespread acceptance of the idea.

tradition has it

Attributes the saying to tradition, emphasizing its historical and cultural roots.

the received wisdom is

Implies that the "wisdom" has been passed down and accepted over time.

it's a well-known saying

Highlights the familiarity and widespread knowledge of the saying.

FAQs

How can I use "the adage" in a sentence?

You can use "the adage" to introduce a well-known saying or proverb. For example, "The adage 'Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise' still holds true today."

What are some alternatives to using "the adage"?

Alternatives include "as the saying goes", "the proverb says", or "it is often said". Each option offers a slightly different nuance while conveying a similar meaning.

Is it always necessary to use "the" before "adage"?

While not always grammatically required, using "the adage" typically indicates that you are referring to a specific, well-known saying. Without "the", "adage" becomes more general, referring to the concept of a proverb itself.

How does "the adage" differ from a quote?

While both can introduce a statement, "the adage" refers to a generally accepted truth or saying passed down through time. A quote, on the other hand, is a specific statement attributed to a particular individual at a particular time.