Age-old practice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Age-old practice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a tradition or method that has been in existence for a very long time. Example: "The age-old practice of storytelling has been passed down through generations in many cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Here are some tips for renewing an age-old practice.

University of California, Berkeley

But modern technology has also brought a revival of the age-old practice of matchmaking.

The New York Times

Or consider Agenda, a restaurant devoted to the age-old practice of skewering meat.

The New York Times - Travel

Even then, they indulge in the age-old practice of what Churchill called "terminological inexactitude".

The Guardian

TUCSON — The age-old practice of feigning disrespect is an annual affair in the N.C.A.A. tournament.

The New York Times - Sports

The barter of goods or services among different peoples is an age-old practice, probably as old as human history.

Britannica

When sick cattle, treated with diclofenac, died, their carcasses were disposed in the open as was the age-old practice.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The collection and recycling of lead acid batteries has been an age old practice because of their value as a major source of lead units.

Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid Batteries

Application of smoke generated from the burnt cow dung as mosquito repellent and subsequent ash as cleaning agent for kitchen utensils is an age old practice.

Bioresources and Bioprocessing

Tem Açúcar is Portuguese for "do you have sugar?" cleverly named after the age old practice of sharing sugar with your neighbors.

Forbes

Hegic points to the age old practice by humans of the falsification of historical events to form a narrative.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "age-old practice", ensure the context clearly establishes the practice's historical depth and continued relevance. This adds credibility and emphasizes the enduring nature of the subject being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "age-old practice" when the historical nature is already implied. For example, saying "the age-old practice of ancient rituals" is redundant; simply stating "the ancient rituals" is more concise and effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "age-old practice" functions as a pre-modifying adjective describing a noun. It signifies that the practice is ancient, established, and has persisted over a considerable period. Ludwig confirms this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

23%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "age-old practice" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that denotes a custom or method with deep historical roots. As Ludwig confirms, it commonly appears in News & Media, Scientific, and Academic contexts, highlighting its versatility and broad applicability. While it's important to avoid redundancy by not using it with contexts that already imply antiquity, its use is generally encouraged when emphasizing the enduring nature of a tradition. Alternatives like "time-honored tradition" or "ancient custom" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Time-honored tradition

Focuses on the tradition aspect, emphasizing respect and value passed down through time.

Ancient custom

Highlights the antiquity and historical roots of the practice.

Long-standing tradition

Emphasizes the duration and continuity of the practice.

Established practice

Focuses on the formal acceptance and recognition of the practice.

Venerable custom

Implies a sense of deep respect and reverence for the practice.

Perennial habit

Highlights the enduring and recurring nature of the practice.

Historic method

Focuses on the historical significance and relevance of the method.

Traditional approach

Emphasizes the conventional and time-tested nature of the approach.

A convention for the ages

Implies the test of time.

Time immemorial habit

Focuses on the habit and that it began before living memory.

FAQs

How can I use "age-old practice" in a sentence?

You can use "age-old practice" to refer to customs or methods that have existed for a long time. For instance, "The "age-old practice" of storytelling is still valued today".

What phrases are similar to "age-old practice"?

Alternatives include "time-honored tradition", "ancient custom", or "long-standing tradition". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "age-old tradition"?

While technically not incorrect, it can be seen as slightly redundant since "tradition" inherently implies something of age. Using just "age-old practice" or "time-honored tradition" is often more effective.

What is the difference between "age-old practice" and "traditional method"?

"Age-old practice" emphasizes the great length of time something has been done, while "traditional method" simply indicates that it's a method that has been used for a considerable time and is part of a culture or custom. The former suggests greater antiquity.