Meaning & use
legend has it
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
Used to say that a story or belief is commonly told but is not certainly true.
Grammar: Often followed by 'that' and a clause: Legend has it that she never slept.
Patterns
- legend has it that ...
- legend has it (that) someone did something
Legend has it that a giant once lived in these hills.
Legend has it that the lake was formed by a falling star.
Legend has it the old king buried his gold under this tree.
Common combinations
- legend has it that
- Legend has it that the two families were once friends.
- as legend has it
- As legend has it, the bridge was built in a single night.
- legend has it otherwise
- Some say the castle is haunted, but legend has it otherwise.
Synonyms and how they differ
- rumor has it
- This reports what people are saying now, not an old story, and often suggests gossip.
- it is said
- This is a more formal, general way to report a belief without mentioning legends.
Word family
Commonly confused: legend has it or rumor has it?
legend has it vs rumor has it
Use 'legend has it' for old stories from the past; use 'rumor has it' for current talk that may or may not be true.
Practice
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Choose one answer.
The phrase introduces a clause, usually with 'that': 'Legend has it that ...'. Option 2 is a question and needs different word order; options 3 and 4 use incorrect verb patterns.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “legend has it”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.