"according to folklore" vs "folklore says"

Question

"according to folklore" vs "folklore says"

Both 'folklore says' and 'according to folklore' are correct phrases, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Folklore says' is more informal and direct, often used when recounting a story or legend. 'According to folklore' is more formal and is used to introduce information or beliefs from traditional stories or customs.

Last Updated: April 03, 2024

This phrase is used to introduce information or beliefs from traditional stories or customs in a formal way.

Examples:

According to folklore, fairies live at the bottom of the garden.
According to folklore, garlic can ward off evil spirits.
According to folklore, a horseshoe above the door brings good luck.
According to folklore, a rabbit's foot is a lucky charm.
According to folklore, stepping on a crack in the sidewalk is bad luck.

Alternatives:

As per folklore
In accordance with folklore
Based on folklore
Per folklore
In the context of folklore

This phrase is used to introduce information or beliefs from traditional stories or customs in an informal way.

Examples:

Folklore says that if you see a shooting star, you should make a wish.
Folklore says that a black cat crossing your path is bad luck.
Folklore says that knocking on wood brings good luck.
Folklore says that finding a four-leaf clover is lucky.
Folklore says that breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck.

Alternatives:

Legend has it that
Tradition holds that
It is said in folklore that
According to legend
In traditional stories, it is believed that

Answer 1

according to folklore

This phrase is correct and commonly used in formal contexts to introduce information or beliefs from traditional stories or customs.

Answer 2

folklore says

This phrase is correct and commonly used in informal contexts to introduce information from traditional stories or customs.