the old saying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the old saying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a commonly known proverb or expression that conveys a general truth or piece of wisdom. Example: "As the old saying goes, 'A stitch in time saves nine,' which emphasizes the importance of addressing problems early."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Corruptio optimi pessima, goes the old saying.

The New York Times - Books

So went the old saying.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is what the old saying means.

The New York Times

Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, goes the old saying.

The New Yorker

Remember the old saying "It's not the gift.

The New York Times

Thomas Jefferson, letter to John Taylor"The old saying holds.

The Economist

As the old saying goes, money talks.

BBC

It's like the old saying about buses.

TechCrunch

What's the old saying, 'thin is in'?

TechCrunch

As the old saying goes, that which does not kill you makes you stronger.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

As the old saying goes, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" [2].

Applied Petrochemical Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the old saying" to introduce a well-known proverb or idiom, providing context for your argument or observation. It adds a touch of familiarity and shared understanding.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "the old saying" as it can make your writing sound unoriginal or lazy. Use it sparingly and ensure the saying genuinely adds value to your point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the old saying" serves as an introductory element, often functioning as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or appositive. It signals that the speaker or writer is about to invoke a familiar proverb or piece of folk wisdom, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the old saying" is a versatile phrase used to introduce well-known proverbs or idioms, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its function is primarily introductory, serving to connect a statement to established wisdom. While grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including News & Media and Wiki, it is less common in formal academic writing. When using "the old saying", be mindful of overusing clichés and ensure the saying genuinely enhances your writing. Remember related phrases such as "as the saying goes" or "as the adage goes".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as the saying goes

Omits "old", focusing on the action of uttering the saying.

as the adage goes

Replaces "saying" with "adage", implying a wise and time-honored statement.

the proverb says

Substitutes "saying" with "proverb", highlighting the traditional and moral nature of the expression.

a common expression states

Uses a more formal tone, replacing "the old saying" with a descriptive explanation.

popular wisdom suggests

Emphasizes the widespread acceptance of the idea.

the conventional wisdom is

Highlights the generally accepted belief or understanding.

history teaches us

Frames the saying as a lesson learned from past events.

tradition holds that

Focuses on the long-standing nature of the belief.

it is widely believed that

States that the idea is a common perception, without specifying an origin.

everyone knows that

Indicates that the concept is universally understood or accepted.

FAQs

How can I use "the old saying" in a sentence?

You can use "the old saying" to introduce a well-known proverb or idiom to support your argument, like in the sentence: "As "the old saying" goes, 'actions speak louder than words'.

What is a similar phrase to "the old saying"?

Similar phrases include "as the saying goes", "as the adage goes", or "the proverb says".

Is it appropriate to use "the old saying" in formal writing?

While "the old saying" is generally acceptable, consider your audience. In highly formal contexts, a more sophisticated phrasing like "it is widely believed that" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "the old saying" and "common knowledge"?

"The old saying" usually refers to a specific proverb or idiom, whereas "common knowledge" refers to general facts that are widely known. For example, "the sky is blue" is common knowledge, but "a penny saved is a penny earned" is "the old saying".