a habitual practice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a habitual practice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or behavior that is regularly performed or done as a routine. Example: "Meditation has become a habitual practice for her, helping to reduce stress and improve focus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It is most important for all of New York's elected officials to work together and agree on a package rather than squabble among themselves over differing approaches -- a habitual practice in New York's political culture.

The New York Times

After hearing the testimonies of 35,000 political detainees, an official commission has concluded that torture was a habitual practice of the armed forces and police throughout the dictatorship.The evidence, of course, was always there.

The Economist

However, for an incorporated pocketbook to exist, the taxpayer must establish that he had a "habitual practice of having his wholly owned corporation pay money to third parties on his behalf". As the Tax Court pointed out, the facts in Meruelo were a far cry from those in Yates and Culnen.

Forbes

It is a habitual practice that is applicable to both men and women.

Huffington Post

Just like modern operators, the Centralia Coal Company had made it a habitual practice to violate mining safety laws and simply pay the fines.

HuffPost

But as long as coal companies are allowed to maintain a habitual practice of violating mining safety laws and simply paying the fines--as production and profits increase--the President and our federal agencies will have failed our nation's coal miners and any sense of justice in the coalfields.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

SLAC's emphasis on contextualizing aesthetic work as a local, habitual practice emerges from Gwen's identity as a painter of everyday urban scenes.

University of Chicago

Khat is an acceptable and habitual practice for these populations, specifically among Muslims [ 12, 13].

BioMed Research International

This chilliness is an extension of McEwan's habitual practice of damping down the sensational aspects of his imagined encounters by narrating them in a precise, thoughtful, unsensational way.

The New York Times - Books

Lévy goes on to question how a chambermaid could have gone alone, "contrary to the habitual practice of most of New York's grand hotels of sending a 'cleaning brigade' of two people, into the room of one of the most closely watched figures on the planet".

The Guardian

And it's not just one or two times - it's a habitual, consistent practice.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a habitual practice" when you want to emphasize that something is done regularly and almost without thinking. For example, "Maintaining a gratitude journal is a habitual practice that can improve your overall well-being."

Common error

Avoid using "a habitual practice" to describe a single, isolated incident. This phrase implies a recurring action or behavior. Instead, use terms like "incident", "event", or "occurrence" when referring to something that happened only once.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a habitual practice" functions as a noun phrase that describes a behavior or action that is regularly and repeatedly performed. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples show its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a habitual practice" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a regularly repeated behavior or action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not extremely frequent, it's found across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. Semantically related alternatives include "a routine" or "a regular habit". When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a recurring behavior rather than a one-time event. Understanding its appropriate use will enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a routine

This alternative is shorter and focuses on the repetitive nature of the action.

a common practice

This alternative emphasizes the widespread nature of the action.

a regular habit

This alternative uses the word "habit", highlighting the personal aspect of the action.

an established pattern

This alternative emphasizes the structured and predictable nature of the action.

a customary procedure

This alternative is more formal and focuses on the procedural aspect of the action.

a typical behavior

This alternative focuses on the behavioral aspect and its representativeness.

a usual custom

This alternative combines the idea of commonality with tradition.

a standing order

This alternative describes a permanent instruction or directive.

a fixed routine

This alternative underlines the rigidity and inflexibility of the practice.

a set way of doing things

This alternative provides a more descriptive and less formal way to express the idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "a habitual practice" to describe actions that someone does regularly. For example, "Regular exercise is "a habitual practice" for many athletes".

What are some alternatives to saying "a habitual practice"?

Alternatives include "a common practice", "a regular habit", or "a routine" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "habitual practice" since practice often implies habit?

While "practice" can imply a degree of repetition, "habitual practice" emphasizes the routine and almost unconscious nature of the action, adding extra nuance. It is not necessarily redundant, but context should guide your choice.

What's the difference between "a habitual practice" and "a tradition"?

"A habitual practice" refers to an individual or group's routine behavior, while "a tradition" is a practice or belief passed down through generations. A tradition is often more formalized and culturally significant than "a habitual practice".