Adage in a Sentence: Meaning, Examples & Practice

An adage is a noun meaning a short, well-known saying that expresses a general truth or a piece of folk wisdom. To use adage in a sentence, treat the saying as the object and introduce it with the adage that: “The coach repeated the adage that defence wins championships.” The word names the saying itself.

Adage at a glance

• Adage is a countable noun; its plural is adages.
• The dominant pattern is the adage that + clause, or the adage about + noun.
• Typical subjects are age, tradition, folk wisdom and common advice rather than one named author.
• The word sits in the middle register: natural in essays and speeches, slightly formal in talk.
• The commonest error is treating adage as a verb, as in he adaged that hard work pays.

What does adage mean?

Adage is a countable noun meaning a short, familiar saying that is treated as a general truth and repeated over time. The Cambridge entry for adage stresses the long use and the wisdom the saying carries. The Merriam-Webster entry for adage links the word to proverbs and maxims. Where a saying is merely popular, saying is the plainer word.

One limitation matters. An adage is not a guarantee of truth, and the word does not mean a cliché. An adage can be wise, tired or plainly false, so a writer who cites one is repeating a tradition rather than proving a point. If the emphasis is on overuse rather than tradition, the second sense of truism is closer.

How do you use adage in a sentence?

Treat the saying as the object of the sentence and let a reporting verb do the work: quote the adage, repeat the adage, or call something an adage. The five patterns below cover most real uses, and the fixed frame the adage that is the one to master first.

The frame the adage that is different from the noun that: the first introduces a well-known saying, the second introduces a fact. Compare the adage that pride comes before a fall with the fact that prices rise in spring.

Adage in a sentence: examples across contexts

The nine sentences below keep adage as the head noun while moving from a classroom to a speech, and each one either quotes the saying or comments on its standing. Where a saying is a formal principle to follow, maxim is the sharper word.

Only the conversation row challenges the saying. The rest either quote it, paraphrase it or treat it as evidence of what a community believes, which is the range the noun covers.

Adage vs proverb, saying and maxim

Adage overlaps with three nouns, and each keeps a distinct edge. A proverb belongs to a folk tradition and is usually passed on orally. A saying is the broadest, plainest term. A maxim is a rule of conduct, often attributed to a person or text. An adage is the traditional saying treated as wise general truth.

Verdict: choose proverb for a saying rooted in folk tradition, saying for everyday speech, maxim for a formal rule of conduct, and adage when the emphasis falls on long use as received wisdom.

Word forms and grammar of adage

Adage is a plain countable noun that adds s in the plural, and it never inflects for tense because it is not a verb. The table also lists the frames learners reach for, including the fixed axiom and the related words that look similar.

The noun needs an article in the singular: an adage, the adage, never adage alone unless it is being discussed as a word. The adjective old is optional, because an adage is already older than the speaker.

Common mistakes with adage

• Incorrect: The teacher adages us every morning. Correct: The teacher quotes an adage every morning. Rule: Adage is a noun, so it cannot take an object or an -s as a verb.
• Incorrect: He gave me an adage to stop. Correct: He gave me an adage about patience. Rule: Pair adage with about plus the topic, not a to-infinitive of purpose.
• Incorrect: Her excuse was a complete adage. Correct: Her excuse was a complete falsehood. Rule: An adage is a saying, not a lie or a thing.
• Incorrect: Rain adages by noon. Correct: The rain abates by noon. Rule: abate means to lessen; adage means a saying.
• Incorrect: An old adage is always wise. Correct: People often treat an old adage as wise, though some prove false. Rule: Adage records age and repetition, not truth.

Practice using adage

Work through the six items, then check the reasoning rather than only the answer.

1. Fill the gap: The coach repeated the ______ that defence wins championships.
2. Choose the better word: Look before you leap is a familiar (adage / abate).
3. Correct the error: He adaged that hard work always pays.
4. Build a sentence: use the adage that about saving money.
5. Spot the register: which fits an essay — the old adage warns, or that old saying, yeah?
6. Rewrite with about: She mentioned the adage that too many cooks spoil the broth. Use the adage about.

Answers

1. adage — the saying is the object of repeated, and that introduces its content.
2. adage — abate is a verb about lessening, not a name for a saying.
3. He repeated the adage that hard work always pays — adage cannot be used as a verb.
4. Model answer: My grandfather often quoted the adage that a penny saved is a penny earned.
5. The old adage warns — an essay keeps the noun and avoids slang.
6. Model answer: She mentioned the adage about too many cooks spoiling the broth.

The bottom line

Use adage in a sentence to name a short, well-known saying that people treat as wise, and introduce its content with the adage that or its topic with the adage about. The two nuances that decide most sentences are that adage is a countable noun, so it needs an article, and that it records tradition and repetition rather than truth. When the saying is just informal talk, saying is the plainer and safer word.

Frequently asked questions about adage

What is an example of an adage?

A familiar example is the adage that a stitch in time saves nine. It is short, memorable and offers practical advice about acting early. Adages differ from ordinary sentences because they are repeated across a community rather than invented once for a single situation.

Is an adage the same as a proverb?

An adage and a proverb overlap closely, but the words differ in emphasis. A proverb is a traditional saying passed down in a culture, while an adage is any saying treated as a wise general truth. Many proverbs are adages, yet a modern catchphrase can also become one.

Can adage be used in everyday speech?

Adage is common in journalism, essays and speeches, and it is perfectly natural in conversation. A speaker might say that the old adage still holds. The word itself is slightly formal, so everyday talk often uses saying instead, but the meaning stays the same.

What is the plural of adage?

The plural is adages, formed by adding s. Writers sometimes say old adages, but since an adage is already a traditional saying, the adjective old adds little. Keep the focus on the idea the saying carries rather than on its age.

Have you ever heard the adage “practice makes perfect”? An adage is a short, well-known statement that expresses a general truth or piece of advice.

Adages often stand the test of time due to their simple yet profound wisdom. They offer guidance, insight, and lessons that can be applied to various aspects of life.

7 Examples Of Adage Used In a Sentence For Kids

1. A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.
2. Practice makes perfect.
3. Don’t cry over spilled milk.
4. Look before you leap.
5. The early bird catches the worm.
6. Actions speak louder than words.
7. Too many cooks spoil the broth.

14 Sentences with Adage Examples

1. ADAGE: “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”
2. As college students in India, we must remember the adage “Knowledge is power.”
3. Before our exams, we should keep in mind the adage “Practice makes perfect.”
4. As we navigate through college life, the adage “A stitch in time saves nine” is crucial to remember.
5. When managing our time effectively, the adage “Time is money” holds true for college students.
6. In the fast-paced college environment, following the adage “Honesty is the best policy” is vital.
7. As students, we should always keep the adage “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today” in mind.
8. When preparing for group projects, the adage “Many hands make light work” applies to college students.
9. As young adults in college, we should remember the adage “To err is human, to forgive divine.”
10. In our pursuit of knowledge, it’s important to keep the adage “Where there’s a will, there’s a way” in mind.
11. As we plan our future careers, the adage “Fortune favors the bold” can inspire college students in India.
12. While interacting with classmates and professors, following the adage “Actions speak louder than words” is essential for college students.
13. When faced with challenges, remembering the adage “When the going gets tough, the tough get going” can motivate college students to persevere.
14. As we strive for success in our academic pursuits, the adage “The early bird catches the worm” reminds us of the importance of diligence.

How To Use Adage in Sentences?

Adage is a word that refers to a short and well-known saying that expresses a general truth or piece of wisdom. When using adage in a sentence, it is important to remember that it is usually used to give advice, convey a moral lesson, or simply state a commonly held belief. Here is a guide on how to properly use adage in a sentence for beginners:

1. Understand the Meaning: Before incorporating adage into a sentence, make sure you understand its definition and usage. This will help you convey the intended message effectively.

2. Choose an Appropriate Adage: Select an adage that fits the context of your sentence and reinforces the message you want to communicate.

3. Integrate Adage with Proper Punctuation: To use adage correctly in a sentence, place it within quotation marks and punctuate it accordingly. For example, “As the old adage goes, honesty is the best policy.”

4. Provide Explanation if Needed: If the adage you use is not well-known, consider providing a brief explanation to ensure clarity for your audience.

5. Avoid Overusing: While adages can be powerful tools in communication, be mindful of overusing them in your writing or speech. Use them judiciously to maintain their impact.

By following these simple guidelines, you can effectively incorporate adage into your sentences and convey timeless wisdom or advice in a concise and impactful manner.

Conclusion

In conclusion, adages are traditional sayings or proverbs that convey timeless wisdom or advice in a concise and impactful manner. They serve as guides for daily life, often based on the experiences and observations of past generations. These simple yet profound sentences with adages encapsulate universal truths and principles that are easily understood and remembered, making them valuable tools for imparting knowledge and understanding.

Whether providing moral guidance, words of encouragement, or practical advice, sentences with adages have stood the test of time for their ability to encapsulate complex ideas in simple phrases. By incorporating adages into our language and communication, we not only preserve cultural wisdom but also foster a deeper understanding of human nature and societal norms.