Proverbs and sayings are an elegant part of English language, and they are quite commonly used by native speakers. In order to make your writing responses sound natural and original, you can include carefully selected proverbs and sayings in your letter/email and article. Proverbs also help to add impact on what you want to express, thus making your letter/email or article more convincing to the audience.
However, you should be absolutely sure of its meaning and whether it fits naturally to the context you are using it in. A wrongly used proverb can bullocks the meaning up and have counter effect to what you wanted it to create. Therefore, it is extremely important to learn a good selection of proverbs that can easily be used in your writing responses and practise using them in different contexts prior to the exam.
When using proverbs/sayings, it is important to bear these points in mind;
- Use the proverb/saying in its most established form.
- Use quotation marks to show that you are quoting exactly as it has been used by others.
- Start the proverb/saying with a capital letter.
- Do not overdo with proverbs/sayings. One proverb in each writing response will be sufficient.
These are some of the best ways to introduce proverbs/sayings in your writing.
Informal (letter/email)
- You know what they say, “………….”
Example: You know what they say, “Honesty is the best policy”. So, I think you should come clean and say sorry.
- “…………………….” – or so they say. (this is also applicable in formal language)
Example : “If you can’t beat them, join them” – or so they say.
- As my grandmother used to say, “………………..”.
Example: As my grandmother used to say, “Every cloud has a silver lining”. So, don’t worry because you have to give up on your favourite chocolate mousse – after all, you’ll fit into those designer jeans!
Formal
- As the saying goes “…………”.
Example: As the saying goes “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”, we should not be engaged in works round the clock but we should also have fun and enjoy life to the fullest.
It is righty said that “…………..”.
Example: It is righty said that “You are what you eat” underlying the reason that soundness of your health depends on the type of food you eat.