was always saying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was always saying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a habitual action or a repeated statement made by someone in the past. Example: "She was always saying that hard work pays off in the end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She was always saying things like that.

The New Yorker

"And Bergeron was always saying outrageous stuff.

The New Yorker

Nirvana was always saying both.

The New York Times - Books

He was always saying, "You have the answer".

The New York Times

"Lowry was always saying, 'Make notes,' " Markson told me.

The New Yorker

He was always saying 'I'm a better actor than you'".

Independent

"You take too much on yourself," Pop was always saying.

The New Yorker

I was always saying to him, "Michael, show more".

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Blumgarten said that his father "was always saying that".

The New York Times

He was always saying, 'Don't be afraid to express yourselves'".

The Guardian - Sport

"He was always saying he wanted to see me [box].

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was always saying" to vividly portray a recurring statement or piece of advice given by someone, adding depth to character development or narrative.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses unexpectedly when using "was always saying". Ensure the surrounding narrative maintains a consistent past tense to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was always saying" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a repeated action or statement in the past. Ludwig AI validates this usage, confirming its role in depicting habitual communication. The examples demonstrate its use in narrating personal anecdotes and conveying recurring advice or opinions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was always saying" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed verbal phrase used to denote a repetitive action or statement made in the past. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and utility across various contexts, particularly in news and media, where it effectively highlights recurring themes or advice. While adaptable to both formal and informal settings, it maintains a neutral register. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "would often say" or "kept repeating" to tailor the nuance to your specific needs. Remember to maintain tense consistency and use this phrase to vividly portray recurring sentiments or advice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would often say

Emphasizes the regularity and frequency of the statement.

kept repeating

Implies persistent reiteration, focusing on the act of repeating.

constantly mentioned

Focuses on the continuous mentioning of something.

frequently stated

Suggests a formal and regular declaration of something.

repeatedly asserted

Stresses the act of confidently affirming something multiple times.

regularly voiced

Implies consistent verbal expression of a thought or feeling.

habitually remarked

Highlights the habitual nature of the comment.

invariably noted

Indicates that the statement was a consistent observation.

incessantly declared

Conveys a sense of relentlessness in the declaration.

customarily expressed

Highlights the conventional or usual manner of expression.

FAQs

How can I use "was always saying" in a sentence?

You can use "was always saying" to describe a recurring statement or piece of advice someone frequently gave. For example, "My grandfather "was always saying", 'Measure twice, cut once.'"

What are some alternatives to "was always saying"?

Alternatives include "would often say", "kept repeating", or "frequently stated", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "was always saying" in formal writing?

Yes, "was always saying" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when narrating past events or describing someone's habits. However, consider using more formal alternatives like "frequently stated" for a more elevated tone.

What's the difference between "was always saying" and "used to say"?

"Was always saying" implies a habitual and repetitive action in the past, while "used to say" simply indicates a past habit without necessarily emphasizing repetition. For example, "He "was always saying" that honesty is the best policy" suggests he frequently repeated this, whereas "He used to say that honesty is the best policy" simply means he said it at some point in the past.