It’s apple season.
And as you might know, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”
Or does it?
I’ll let the research scientists answer that question.
A question I can answer is whether it’s a good idea to use a metaphorical expression like this in your writing.
This is an Old English proverb that’s intended to give advice about staying healthy.
Proverbs are brief, often well-known statements that offer wisdom.
Is it okay to use proverbs in writing?
Yes. You can use them in fiction and in nonfiction. (But not in academic writing, where it’s important to use language that’s formal and precise so your argument can be easily followed.)
Proverbs are not the same as idioms. How do they differ? 1) Idioms don’t offer advice, and 2) Idioms have figurative meanings: if the words in an idiom were translated literally, the idiom would not make sense.
The literal meaning of a proverb makes sense (if you eat an apple every day, your doctor will stay away). But that meaning also needs to be applied to a larger meaning (if you eat fruits and vegetables, you won’t get sick.)
Because the literal interpretation of a proverb makes sense, a proverb you’ve never seen before will likely be easier to understand than an idiom you’ve never seen before.
How can a proverb strengthen your writing?
- Readers may be familiar with the proverb you’re using, so it can provide an engaging way to help them grasp an idea and connect with your text.
- By connecting with your text, readers will be more likely to remember what they read; this is especially helpful when reading educational materials.
But just as it’s dangerous to overuse idioms (see this post about using idioms in writing), it’s dangerous to overuse proverbs.
How can a proverb weaken your writing?
- Readers may be unfamiliar with the proverb you’re using, and they may have to stop and figure out what it means.
- Proverbs (and idioms) are culturally based. They’re founded on common experiences; so they may not be easily understood by all your readers.
It’s important to find balance between spicing up your writing with a proverb and using so many indirect expressions that your readers can’t understand what you’re saying.
If you know a proverb that might help your readers connect with an idea you’re trying to convey, you believe it expresses your intended meaning accurately, and you’ve considered the cultural background of your readers, use it.
I’m not sure whether eating apples will keep your doctor away, but I’m sure that if your writing is difficult to connect with, it’ll keep your readers away.
