How to Write an Adages
Adages are useful sayings for giving advice or describing a simple lesson to be learned from a situation. For this reason, using an adage is as simple as applying one to a situation:
- Consider the lesson or idea reflected by a certain problem or situation.
- State an adage which is appropriate to the problem or situation.
Let’s try creating adages!
1. For example, imagine that you have a little brother who has a hard time waking up on time in the morning.
- Situation:
Your brother needs to learn how to wake up early.
- Lesson:
Waking up early has benefits, as you can get work done and enjoy a full day.
- Adage:
Wake up already! You’re going to miss breakfast! Don’t you know the early bird catches the worm?
Inserting a well-known saying, or adage, into the conversation inserts age-old wisdom into your advice for your brother.
2.For another example, consider a friend who wants revenge on a bully.
- Situation:
Your friend wants to embarrass a bully by tripping him in front of everyone else.
- Lesson:
Even if this person is a bully, bullying him is still wrong and mean.
- Adage:
You shouldn’t do that. It’s mean, and you know that two wrongs don’t make a right.
Once again, the use of an adage gives this statement the power of basic wisdom.
When to Use Adages
Adages can be used for giving advice, making a basic statement about everyday life, or teaching a lesson. Adages are often used in speeches in order to give the speaker an air of wisdom and intelligence. In literature and poetry, adages provide characters with the same wisdom. Because adages are well-known and popular, their use in advertisements, the media, and comedy provides an audience with relatable and familiar material which can sell a product, gain one’s attention, or just make one laugh.