worn-out phrase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worn-out phrase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a phrase that has become clichéd or overused to the point of losing its original impact or meaning. Example: "The expression 'think outside the box' has become a worn-out phrase in corporate culture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Appearing in her stead was her husband, Zack Bogue, whose venture-capital fund has been seeding data-focussed tech companies "since before 'big data' became a worn-out phrase".

The New Yorker

I definitely didn't think it would become the most worn-out phrase of 2006.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Her grandmother & mother spat worn-out phrases at her: "Ungrateful.

The New Yorker

Her grandmother & mother spat worn-out phrases at her: "Ungrateful.

The New Yorker

But Palin's argument is so dependent on established Republican strategy that is reads like a grab bag of worn-out phrases.

Huffington Post

When asked about his relationship with text, Niemann tells The Creators Project, "There's this worn out phrase of a picture being worth a thousand words.

Vice

With the New Year upon us, let's pledge to put a moratorium in 2008 on a number of worn-out expressions, old ideas, and empty phrases.

Huffington Post

A hackneyed, worn-out idea isn't hackneyed and worn out to them".

The New Yorker

He has to apologize for not just one or two errant phrases, but for a full-length, stream-of-consciousness rant — the sort of fed-up, worn-out, over-emotional outpouring you might hear from your grumpy grandpa as dinner stretches into its second hour.

The New Yorker

Worn-out formulations abound.

The Guardian - Books

(And worn-out millionaires at that.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "worn-out phrase", consider if a more specific synonym might add impact to your writing. For instance, instead of saying something is a "worn-out phrase", try using "clichéd saying" or "overused expression" to provide a clearer picture of the phrase's deficiency.

Common error

Avoid using "worn-out phrase" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "tired expression" or "hackneyed saying" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worn-out phrase" functions as a noun phrase, where "worn-out" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "phrase". As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to describe expressions that have become stale and ineffective due to overuse.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "worn-out phrase" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to describe a saying that has lost its impact through overuse. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears in various contexts, primarily in News & Media. When you find yourself using "worn-out phrase", consider opting for synonyms such as "clichéd phrase" or "overused expression" to add specificity to your writing and avoid sounding repetitive. Always ensure your language remains fresh and engaging by carefully choosing your words.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overused expression

Focuses on the excessive use of the expression.

clichéd phrase

Emphasizes the lack of originality and predictability.

hackneyed saying

Highlights the staleness and triteness of the saying.

tired expression

Suggests the expression has lost its freshness and impact.

banal phrase

Emphasizes the ordinariness and lack of depth.

stale idiom

Highlights the lack of novelty in the expression.

threadbare expression

Suggests the expression is worn thin from overuse.

trite saying

Emphasizes the lack of originality and significance.

commonplace remark

Highlights the ordinariness and unremarkableness.

platitude

Focuses on the lack of substance and meaningfulness.

FAQs

How can I use "worn-out phrase" in a sentence?

You can use "worn-out phrase" to describe an expression that has become stale or overused. For example: "The term 'synergy' has become a "worn-out phrase" in the business world".

What are some alternatives to "worn-out phrase"?

Some alternatives to "worn-out phrase" include "clichéd phrase", "overused expression", and "hackneyed saying". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "overused phrase" or "worn-out phrase"?

Both "worn-out phrase" and "overused phrase" are acceptable, but "overused phrase" directly emphasizes the frequency of use, while "worn-out phrase" suggests a loss of effectiveness or freshness. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What makes a phrase "worn-out"?

A phrase becomes "worn-out" through repeated use to the point where it loses its original impact, becoming trite or predictable. This often happens when phrases are used in many different contexts, diluting their meaning.