a lengthy tradition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lengthy tradition" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a tradition that has been in place for a long time or has a significant history. Example: "The festival has a lengthy tradition that dates back over a century, attracting visitors from all over the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

There isn't a lengthy tradition of comedians from Denmark succeeding in this country (there's Sandi Toksvig, and that's about it), but Hagen certainly seems more than capable of bucking the trend.

The Guardian

At the age of eight, Chelsea had formally joined a lengthy tradition of female American inventors of infant care items, a tradition that includes Beulah Henry ("Lady Edison") and Ann Moore, among others.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Ace cartoonists like Steve Bell, Peter Brookes and Chris Riddell draw on a lengthy tradition of caricature and licensed malice to maintain their high level of savage comment week after week, but generally in the field of popular culture, real satire is relatively scarce.

The Guardian - Film

One of the key factors in this turn involves path dependency from, among others, a lengthy tradition for strong state involvement and norms about employment.

Comparative Migration Studies

Finally, a lengthy tradition for strong state intervention has been prevalent and, compared to other countries, the state has played a crucial role in the implementation of activation policies in the Scandinavian countries (Jørgensen, 2008, p. 86).

Comparative Migration Studies

Path-dependent policy traditions of these countries representing a shared duty-to-work tradition (expanded considerably in the early 1990s) and a lengthy tradition regarding state involvement are therefore important driving forces.

Comparative Migration Studies

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The academy saw this as a strength, noting that "her writing builds on a lengthy Austrian tradition of linguistically sophisticated social criticism, with precursors such as Karl Kraus, Thomas Bernhard and the Wiener Group".

The Guardian - Books

"Considering the lengthy tradition of baseball and alcohol consumption, as well as the clubs' support for the postgame buffet and bar, it is only a matter of time before an intoxicated player injures an innocent third party," the article said.

The New York Times - Sports

They had to learn not only routine etiquette but also the lengthy traditions by which the rank and privileges of their particular group were validated, including rituals, songs, and formulaic prayers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While a lengthy medley is tradition, the band were allowed only Viva La Vida and a heavily truncated version of Fix You, interspersed by two acts who have both played the same slot within the last five years.

Independent

I was amused to see "A Safe Haven After the Hamptons" [Soapbox, Jan . 11]continue a lengthy Long Island Section tradition of getting the names of bodies of water on the East End wrong.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing cultural heritage or long-standing customs, "a lengthy tradition" can add weight and credibility to your writing. It suggests that the practice is not new or fleeting, but rather deeply embedded in history and culture.

Common error

Avoid using "a lengthy tradition" when describing new or recently established practices. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the tradition genuinely has a substantial history, not for something that merely seems old or established. Using it incorrectly can undermine your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lengthy tradition" functions as a noun phrase that includes an adjective ("lengthy") modifying the noun "tradition". According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a lengthy tradition" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that serves to highlight the long-standing nature of a custom or practice. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate for use in various contexts, though most frequently found in News & Media and Academic sources. When using this phrase, ensure that the tradition truly has a substantial history to avoid undermining your writing. Alternatives such as "a long-standing tradition" or "a well-established tradition" can be used to convey a similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis. Avoid overusing the phrase; context matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a long-standing tradition

Focuses on the duration and established nature of the tradition.

a well-established tradition

Emphasizes the firm establishment and acceptance of the tradition.

an age-old custom

Highlights the great age and historical roots of the custom.

a time-honored practice

Stresses the respect and reverence associated with the practice.

a deeply rooted tradition

Indicates the strong entrenchment and pervasiveness of the tradition.

a historical custom

Highlights the relation to the past of the custom.

a time-tested tradition

Emphasizes that the tradition has proven its value over time.

a heritage practice

Highlights that the practice is part of the cultural inheritance.

a prolonged custom

Focuses on the extent of the custom in terms of time.

a sustained tradition

Implies that the tradition has been maintained continuously over time.

FAQs

What does "a lengthy tradition" mean?

The phrase "a lengthy tradition" refers to a custom, practice, or belief that has been established and maintained over a considerable period of time. It implies a deep-rooted history and often signifies cultural or historical importance.

How can I use "a lengthy tradition" in a sentence?

You can use "a lengthy tradition" to describe various practices or customs that have been in place for a long time. For example, "The town has "a lengthy tradition" of celebrating the harvest with a large festival".

What are some alternatives to "a lengthy tradition"?

Some alternatives to "a lengthy tradition" include "a long-standing tradition", "a well-established tradition", or "a time-honored practice". These phrases convey a similar meaning but may offer slightly different nuances.

Is it appropriate to use "a lengthy tradition" in formal writing?

Yes, "a lengthy tradition" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and descriptive phrase that is widely understood and accepted in academic, professional, and journalistic contexts. However, consider the specific audience and purpose of your writing to ensure it fits the overall tone.