a long-standing custom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a long-standing custom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a tradition or practice that has been in place for a significant period of time. Example: "Celebrating the harvest festival is a long-standing custom in our community that brings everyone together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Baltimore, like many cities, has a long-standing custom of generally staying out of immigration enforcement, and Baltimore police generally avoid inquiring about suspects' or witnesses' immigration status.

The Washington Post

Along with various gameplay tweaks, the update moves the game to the Source engine version used with The Orange Box, allowing the game to utilise particle effects, as well as adding a new official map based on a long-standing custom map for Day of Defeat and 54 achievement awards for players completing certain tasks.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The program is popular, selective, and a long-standing tradition.

Wikipedia

(Remember the black kid who touched Obama's hair to see if it felt like his?) I'd like to attribute this familiarity to my relative overconsumption of the news, and to my short tenure as a junior staffer at the White House, where, by long-standing custom, Presidential photos hang on most of the walls.

The New Yorker

I am always suspicious of studies that fly in the face of long-standing custom & tradition, not to mention the observation and experience of hundreds of people.

University of California, Berkeley

By long-standing custom it shares part of its proceeds with five established agencies, or "partners" - the American Red Cross, the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the Salvation Army and the United Hospital Fund.

The New York Times

"It is our long-standing custom to invite the U.S. president to the National Jamboree".

Huffington Post

Garment factory jobs have begun to undercut this long-standing custom, as parents — sometimes the daughters also speak up for themselves — challenge how much, if any, dowry is required when the bride-to-be earns a steady salary.

Los Angeles Times

Lyttelton, who was soon appointed Governor of Jamaica, requested assistance from Dobbs, but North Carolina's militia could not be convinced to serve outside of its home province due to long-standing custom.

Wikipedia

Interviews an artist called Yoyo, who paints pictures on the roofs and sides of public buses, a long-standing Panamanian custom.

The New Yorker

Most people contributed to funeral expenses, a long-standing local custom.

AIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a long-standing custom", ensure the context clearly establishes the duration and significance of the custom being discussed. Provide specific examples or historical context to enhance the reader's understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "a long-standing custom" to describe habits or practices that have only been in place for a short period. This diminishes the phrase's impact and accuracy. Instead, use more appropriate terms like "recent trend" or "new habit".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a long-standing custom" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and used to describe practices with historical roots. For example, "Celebrating the harvest festival is a long-standing custom in our community".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a long-standing custom" is a grammatically sound and recognizable way to describe a practice or tradition that has been in place for a considerable period. As Ludwig AI confirms, its correct usage emphasizes historical significance and continuity. While the phrase is not exceptionally common, appearing mostly in News & Media and Wiki sources, it is a useful term for conveying the depth and cultural weight of established practices. Alternatives like "an age-old tradition" or "a time-honored practice" can provide similar meanings with slightly different shades of emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an age-old tradition

Replaces "long-standing custom" with a more evocative term suggesting great age and cultural significance.

a time-honored practice

Emphasizes the respect and value associated with the custom over time.

a deeply rooted tradition

Highlights the entrenched nature and historical depth of the custom.

an established convention

Focuses on the accepted and recognized nature of the custom within a community.

a historical precedent

Highlights how previous instances support the action.

a traditional way of doing things

Simplifies the phrase to focus on the customary method.

a conventional practice

Emphasizes the accepted and usual character of the custom.

an enduring habit

Highlights the long duration and persistence of the practice.

a time-worn tradition

Conveys the custom's age through a sense of being 'worn' over time.

a long-established norm

Focuses on the widespread acceptance and adherence to the custom as a standard.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a long-standing custom" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a long-standing custom", make sure the practice you're describing has genuinely existed for a significant period. Provide context that illustrates its historical roots or widespread acceptance.

What are some alternatives to "a long-standing custom" that I can use?

You can use alternatives like "an age-old tradition", "a time-honored practice", or "a deeply rooted tradition" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

Is there a difference between "a long-standing custom" and "a tradition"?

"A tradition" is a broader term, whereas "a long-standing custom" specifically emphasizes the duration and established nature of the practice. Not all traditions are necessarily long-standing; some may be relatively new.

When is it appropriate to use "a long-standing custom" versus "a common practice"?

"A long-standing custom" should be used when the practice has historical significance and has been in place for a considerable time. "A common practice" simply indicates that something is widely done, without necessarily implying a long history.