Saying vs. Sayings – Which is Correct?
When choosing between “saying” and “sayings,” both are correct English words. “Saying” is singular, referring to one expression, proverb, or remark; “sayings” is plural, referring to two or more. Use the singular after “a” or “one,” and the plural after numbers or plural determiners. Context determines choice in context.
Saying or Sayings – Which is Correct?
Saying and sayings are both correct. The difference is grammatical number: saying is singular, while sayings is plural. A saying can mean a familiar expression, proverb, maxim, or spoken remark. Sayings refers to more than one such expression or remark.
Use saying when discussing one expression: “That saying is easy to remember.” Use sayings when discussing several expressions: “The book contains traditional sayings from around the world.” The word saying can also function as the present participle or gerund of the verb say, as in “She is saying goodbye” or “Saying thank you is polite.”
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Look at the final letter. No s means one: one saying. An added s means more than one: many sayings. You can also use the number test: if the sentence could begin with “one,” choose saying; if it could begin with “several,” choose sayings.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| saying | Singular noun; verb form | One expression, proverb, or the act of speaking the word “say” | That saying teaches an important lesson. |
| sayings | Plural noun | Two or more expressions, proverbs, or remarks | Her grandmother shared many sayings. |
How to Use Saying
As a noun, saying usually refers to a well-known phrase that expresses advice, wisdom, or an observation. Common collocations include a common saying, an old saying, a popular saying, and a traditional saying. It can also describe a personal remark or a statement someone has made.
In everyday English, saying is natural in both casual and formal contexts. It is especially common when introducing a proverb or explaining the meaning of a familiar expression. As a verb form, saying appears after forms of be or as a gerund.
Example 1: “A stitch in time saves nine” is a well-known saying about solving problems early.
Example 2: That saying has been passed down through several generations.
Example 3: Saying what you mean can prevent unnecessary confusion.
What are the different forms of Saying?
When saying is used as a noun meaning one expression, its regular plural is sayings. When it is used as a verb form, it is the present participle and gerund of say. The principal forms of the verb are say, says, said, and saying.
Examples include “He says the answer is correct,” “She said hello,” and “They are saying goodbye.” In the phrase “Saying thank you matters,” saying functions as a gerund, or a verb form acting as a noun.
Etymology of the word Saying
Saying comes from the verb say combined with the suffix -ing. The verb say traces back to Old English secgan, meaning “to speak, tell, or relate.” Over time, saying developed both its grammatical use as a verb form and its noun meaning of a familiar or memorable expression.
How to Use Sayings
Sayings is the plural form of the noun saying. Use it when referring to multiple proverbs, maxims, traditional expressions, or memorable remarks. It commonly follows numbers and plural determiners, such as many sayings, several sayings, two sayings, and traditional sayings.
The word often appears in discussions of culture, literature, family wisdom, religion, history, and language. Because it refers to a category of expressions, sayings is frequently used in titles and descriptions of collections.
Example 1: The collection includes sayings from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Example 2: Many sayings encourage patience, honesty, and hard work.
Example 3: His speech was filled with humorous sayings and personal stories.
What are the different forms of Sayings?
Sayings is a regular plural noun formed by adding -s to saying. The singular form is saying, and the plural form is sayings. There is no spelling change or irregular plural form.
Use a singular determiner with saying, as in “this saying” or “an old saying.” Use plural determiners with sayings, as in “these sayings,” “many sayings,” or “several sayings.”
Etymology of the word Sayings
Sayings developed from the noun saying, which comes from the verb say and the suffix -ing. The final -s is the standard English marker for a regular plural noun. Its meaning has expanded from spoken statements to include established proverbs, maxims, and culturally recognized expressions.
Related Concepts
Understanding number, word function, and the difference between a proverb and an ordinary remark makes it easier to choose between saying and sayings.
- Singular nouns: A singular noun refers to one person, place, thing, idea, or expression. Use saying when referring to one proverb or remark.
- Plural nouns: A plural noun refers to two or more items. Use sayings when referring to multiple expressions or remarks.
- Gerunds: A gerund is an -ing verb form that functions as a noun. In “Saying thank you is polite,” saying describes an action rather than a proverb.
- Proverbs and maxims: A proverb is a traditional expression that offers advice or general wisdom. A maxim is a concise statement expressing a principle or rule of conduct.
Examples from Media and Literature
Writers, speakers, and filmmakers use saying and sayings to introduce memorable expressions, cultural wisdom, and recurring advice.
- Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes: The novel is known for its many proverbs and sayings, particularly in the dialogue involving Sancho Panza.
- Aesop’s Fables: Each short fable often concludes with a moral saying that summarizes its lesson.
- Forrest Gump: The film popularizes the saying “Life is like a box of chocolates,” using it as a memorable reflection on uncertainty.
- The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien: Characters use traditional sayings and practical observations to express courage, caution, and experience.
- News and public speeches: Journalists and speakers frequently write phrases such as “an old saying applies” before introducing a familiar proverb or principle.
Saying Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Proverb | A traditional expression that communicates practical wisdom or advice. |
| Maxim | A brief statement expressing a general rule or principle. |
| Adage | An old and widely recognized piece of wisdom. |
| Expression | A word, phrase, or statement used to communicate an idea. |
| Remark | Something spoken or written as a comment or observation. |
Sayings Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Proverbs | Traditional statements that express general truths or advice. |
| Maxims | Concise expressions of principles, rules, or conduct. |
| Adages | Long-established expressions of wisdom or common experience. |
| Expressions | Phrases or statements used to communicate particular ideas. |
| Remarks | Comments, observations, or statements made by one or more speakers. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “saying” or “sayings” correct?
Both are correct. Use saying for one expression or remark and sayings for two or more.
Question 2: What is the plural of “saying”?
The plural is sayings. It is formed regularly by adding -s to the singular noun.
Question 3: Is “saying” always a noun?
No. Saying can be a noun meaning an expression, but it can also be the present participle or gerund of say. For example, “She is saying hello” uses it as a verb form, while “That saying is familiar” uses it as a noun.
Conclusion
Saying and sayings are both standard English words. Choose saying for one proverb, expression, or remark, and choose sayings for multiple expressions. Remember the simple number test: one saying, several sayings. Pro Tip: Checking singular and plural agreement before publishing helps maintain a polished, professional reputation.
