a creature of habit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a creature of habit" is a commonly used phrase in written English and can be used in a variety of contexts.
For example, you could say "My grandmother is a creature of habit; she always visits the same local cafe every Saturday morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm a creature of habit.

The New York Times

I am such a creature of habit.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I'm a creature of habit," Verlander said.

The New York Times - Sports

Being a creature of habit, Barbados.

The Telegraph

Why: I'm a creature of habit.

The Guardian - Travel

Poirot is a creature of habit.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I'm sort of a creature of habit.

The New York Times - Sports

"And he was a creature of habit.

The New York Times - Sports

That Groh is a creature of habit?

The New York Times - Sports

I am, above all, a creature of habit.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Plummie is absolutely a creature of habit," his wife said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "a creature of habit", provide specific examples of their routines to illustrate the extent of their adherence to established patterns.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone is "a creature of habit" without providing concrete examples of their routines or behaviors. This can make the description seem vague and unconvincing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a creature of habit" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or appositive. It describes an individual characterized by their strong adherence to routine and established patterns, as Ludwig's examples show.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

5%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a creature of habit" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe someone who strongly adheres to routines and established patterns. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a descriptive phrase that can be used in various contexts, ranging from News & Media to Academic discussions. The phrase is generally used in a neutral register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to provide specific examples of the individual's routines. While this expression is widely accepted, avoid overgeneralizing without these concrete examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

someone set in their ways

This highlights the difficulty in persuading the person to alter their established habits.

one who sticks to routines

This alternative directly emphasizes adherence to a set pattern of actions or behaviors.

person of fixed habits

This phrase highlights the established and unchanging nature of the individual's habits.

someone who loves routine

This directly states the person's affection for established patterns and habits.

one who prefers predictability

This alternative shifts the focus to the comfort derived from knowing what to expect.

person with ingrained habits

This option emphasizes that the habits are deeply rooted and difficult to change.

person resistant to change

This emphasizes the unwillingness or difficulty in adapting to new situations or routines.

individual with a structured routine

This alternative emphasizes the organized and consistent nature of their daily life.

one following a well-worn path

This metaphorically describes someone who consistently chooses the same, familiar course of action.

person who avoids surprises

This underscores the individual's preference for predictability and aversion to unexpected events.

FAQs

How can I use "a creature of habit" in a sentence?

You can use "a creature of habit" to describe someone who enjoys and sticks to routines. For example: "My grandfather is a creature of habit; he drinks tea at exactly 4 PM every day."

What is another way to say "a creature of habit"?

Alternatives to "a creature of habit" include "someone set in their ways", "one who sticks to routines", or "person of fixed habits".

Is it better to say "a creature of habit" or "a creature of habits"?

"A creature of habit" is the correct and more commonly used phrase. "A creature of habits" is grammatically incorrect.

What are the implications of being "a creature of habit"?

Being "a creature of habit" suggests a preference for routine, predictability, and consistency. This can provide comfort and stability but may also indicate resistance to change or new experiences.