the expression goes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the expression goes" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a saying or proverb that conveys a particular idea or sentiment. Example: "As the saying goes, 'A stitch in time saves nine,' which emphasizes the importance of addressing problems early."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

As the expression goes, be careful what you wish for.

The New York Times

He was pedal to the metal there, as I believe the expression goes.

The Guardian - Sport

"I've never seen anybody yet who has liked them," so the expression goes.

The New Yorker

She sort of discards Freud or, as the expression goes, she takes him in her stride.

The New Yorker

Another is open houses and friendly visits - social calling, as the expression goes.

The New York Times - Arts

AGES 10-12 -- By this age children susceptible to a teenage sudser, as the expression goes, should be on board.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

The Brotherhood was, the expression went, "banned but partly tolerated".

The New York Times

People, pardon the expression, go gaga for all of this.

The New York Times - Arts

And that's where the expression, "Going once, going twice, third and last call, going, going, gone," that's what they used to say at the slave auction.

Yale University

When he got back upstate, he arranged to rent the main house to Karen Friedman, a resident in neurology who'd been his most promising student two years — no, three years — earlier, and her partner, as the expression went, a dumpy older woman named Gloria, who managed the Staples store at the mall out on the bypass.

The New Yorker

For some of us the expression, "Go with your gut," means that you should rely on your instincts.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the expression goes" to introduce a common saying or proverb when you want to add a touch of familiarity or cultural context to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "the expression goes" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and unoriginal. Opt for varied phrasing or more direct language to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the expression goes" functions as an introductory phrase, signaling that what follows is a common saying, idiom, or proverb. It's used to connect a familiar expression with the current context. Ludwig AI shows its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Sport

5%

Less common in

Lifestyle

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the expression goes" is a versatile phrase used to introduce common sayings and proverbs across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Its frequency is very common, especially in News & Media. While primarily neutral in register, it's crucial to avoid overuse and adapt phrasing to maintain writing quality. Alternative phrases like "as the saying goes" or "as they say" can provide variety. Remember to use it judiciously to enhance, not detract from, your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as the saying goes

This is a direct synonym, replacing "expression" with "saying".

as the proverb says

Substitutes "expression" with "proverb", emphasizing a traditional saying.

as they say

A more concise alternative, omitting "the expression".

as it is often said

More formal and emphasizes the widespread nature of the saying.

the old adage states

Highlights the traditional and wise nature of the saying.

the common wisdom is

Introduces a generally accepted belief or understanding.

it is said that

A simple way to introduce a commonly known fact or saying.

in other words

Indicates a rephrasing or clarification of a previous statement.

to put it another way

Signals an alternative formulation of the same idea.

to coin a phrase

Used ironically, often when using a cliché.

FAQs

How can I use "the expression goes" in a sentence?

You can use "the expression goes" to introduce a common saying or proverb. For example, "As "the expression goes", 'A penny saved is a penny earned'".

What are some alternatives to "the expression goes"?

Some alternatives include "as the saying goes", "as the proverb says", or simply "as they say". These phrases all serve a similar purpose of introducing a well-known idiom or expression.

Is it okay to use "the expression goes" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, using "the expression goes" can sometimes be perceived as informal. In highly formal contexts, consider using more direct language or a less colloquial alternative, such as "it is often said that".

What's the difference between "the expression goes" and "as the saying goes"?

The phrases "the expression goes" and "as the saying goes" are nearly interchangeable. The choice often comes down to personal preference, although "as the saying goes" might be slightly more common.