a customary practice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a customary practice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a behavior or action that is widely accepted and regularly followed within a particular context or community. Example: "In our organization, holding weekly meetings is considered a customary practice to ensure everyone is on the same page."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

I asked if this was a customary practice of purveyors.

The New York Times - Food

He apparently uses an assumed name — a customary practice for Swedes seeking to remain anonymous because of a personal threat.

The New York Times - Health

Arsinoe II then married her own brother (c. 279 272 bce), a customary practice in Egypt but one until then foreign to the Greeks.

Britannica

"Someone shouted 'Attention!' and everyone came to attention," he recalled, explaining that this was a customary practice in the presence of a high-ranking official.

The New York Times

Gee said he did not feel like throwing additional pitches in the bullpen, a customary practice for pitchers trying to get sufficient work under their belts.

The New York Times

They did so not only in fun to drown out their coach's words, a customary practice on days following a victory, but also to bray about bringing on the Boston Celtics and the beginning of a rivalry.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

However, while Afghanistan's civil code makes several references to a bride's exclusive right to a mahr, customary practice often replaces the mahr with a dowry given to the bride's family.

HuffPost

But in a break with customary practice, Ms. Reyashi's family did not set up a condolence tent to receive visitors on Thursday.

The New York Times

In a departure from customary practice, the first move came not from the union but from the strippers, asking for help and advice as they set out to create the Exotic Dancers Unionn.

The Economist

In August the new constitution of Somalia prohibited FGM on the basis that: "circumcision of girls is a cruel and degrading customary practice, and is tantamount to torture".

The Guardian

Following the medical center's customary practice for a bronchoscopy, Ms. Wan, a nursing student, remained there under observation for about 90 minutes.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a customary practice" when you want to emphasize that something is done because it is a long-standing tradition or widely accepted way of doing things.

Common error

Avoid using "a customary practice" when describing a habit unique to an individual. The phrase implies a broader social or organizational acceptance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a customary practice" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies and characterizes an action or behavior as being a widely accepted and traditional way of doing things. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a customary practice" is a phrase used to describe actions or behaviors that are widely accepted and traditionally followed within a specific context. Ludwig AI indicates that its grammatical status is correct. It's commonly found in "News & Media" and "Science" contexts, and less frequently in academia. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the practice is genuinely widespread, rooted in tradition, and not merely an individual habit. Alternatives like "a traditional practice" or "a common practice" can be used depending on the specific shade of meaning intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a habitual practice

Focuses on the repetitive nature of the practice.

a regular practice

Implies a consistent and scheduled occurrence.

a conventional practice

Highlights adherence to established norms and standards.

a commonplace practice

Emphasizes the widespread nature and lack of uniqueness.

a traditional practice

Stresses the historical and cultural roots of the practice.

a typical practice

Indicates that the practice is representative and characteristic.

a common practice

Suggests the practice is frequently observed.

a normal practice

Conveys that the practice aligns with what is expected or standard.

a familiar practice

Implies that the practice is well-known and recognized.

a routine practice

Focuses on the standardized and predictable nature of the practice.

FAQs

How can I use "a customary practice" in a sentence?

You can use "a customary practice" to describe actions that are traditionally and widely accepted within a specific culture or organization. For example, "Giving gifts during the holidays is "a customary practice" in many countries".

What are some alternatives to "a customary practice"?

Some alternatives include "a traditional practice", "a common practice", or "a conventional practice". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When should I use "a customary practice" versus "a common practice"?

"A customary practice" emphasizes the historical or traditional aspect, while "a common practice" simply highlights that something is frequently done. Use "a customary practice" when tradition is relevant.

Is there a difference between "customary practice" and "standard practice"?

"Customary practice" implies that the action is rooted in tradition or culture, while "standard practice" indicates that something is followed because it's officially established or considered the norm.