we always say

USAGE SUMMARY

"we always say" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to provide emphasis to a sentence or statement. Example: We always say that knowledge is power.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We always say it to the kids.

Independent

Like we always say, talk is cheap.

The New York Times - Sports

We always say, grants are like gravy.

Cornell University

"We always say it's his Russian blood".

The New York Times - Magazine

We always say hi and catch up.

The Guardian - Sport

"We always say we have to think like rats".

The New York Times - Arts

We always say goodbye to the house when we leave.

The New York Times - Travel

But "we always say that Hezbollah is different.

The New York Times

Why do we always say the butler did it?

The New Yorker

"We always say that but it is absolutely true.

The Guardian

"We always say that you cannot impede the public".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we always say", ensure that the following statement is genuinely something that is frequently stated by the group you are referring to, to maintain credibility.

Common error

Avoid overusing "we always say", as it can become repetitive and diminish the impact of the statement. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we always say" functions as a discourse marker or introductory phrase. It typically precedes a statement that the speaker believes is a common or established viewpoint within a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable and correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

21%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we always say" is a common and correct introductory phrase used to emphasize a shared viewpoint or reinforce a commonly held belief within a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's essential to use it judiciously to avoid repetition and ensure that the following statement accurately reflects the group's consensus. Alternatives like "as we often state" or "it's our common saying" can provide variety while maintaining a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as we often state

Replaces "say" with "state" and "always" with "often", emphasizing frequency.

it's our common saying

Uses "saying" as a noun to describe the phrase, highlighting its conventional nature.

we frequently mention

Substitutes "always" with "frequently" and "say" with "mention", focusing on regular recurrence.

our usual expression is

Emphasizes the habitual nature of the expression by using "usual expression".

we habitually remark

Replaces "say" with "remark" and "always" with "habitually", indicating a customary observation.

it's something we often repeat

Highlights the repetitive nature of the phrase using "repeat" instead of "say".

we consistently express

Focuses on the uniformity of the message using "consistently express".

a common refrain is

Uses "refrain" to describe the saying, implying a recurring theme or idea.

we are wont to say

Uses "wont" to indicate a habitual tendency to say something.

it's a familiar phrase with us

Emphasizes the group's familiarity with the phrase.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we always say" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "it is our common understanding", "we consistently maintain", or "we frequently assert". These options convey a similar meaning while elevating the formality of your language.

Is it appropriate to use "we always say" in academic writing?

While "we always say" is generally acceptable, academic writing often benefits from more precise language. Consider specifying who "we" refers to and providing evidence to support the statement, or use a more formal alternative like "it is our understanding".

What's the difference between "we always say" and "we often say"?

"We always say" suggests something is invariably stated, implying a steadfast and unchanging viewpoint. "We often say", on the other hand, indicates a frequent but not necessarily constant repetition. Choose the phrase that best reflects the actual frequency and consistency of the statement.

Can "we always say" be used sarcastically?

Yes, like many phrases, "we always say" can be used sarcastically to imply the opposite of what is being stated, or to highlight the absurdity of a commonly held belief. The tone and context will typically indicate the sarcastic intent.