a tradition of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tradition of" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use this phrase when you want to refer to a long-established custom or belief. For example, "The town had a tradition of leaving bread outside their door each night for the neighborhood cats."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A tradition of secrecy.

The New York Times

It lacks a tradition of private philanthropy.

The Economist

A tradition of culinary mediocrity was born.

The New York Times - Books

"We have a tradition of couture.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There is a tradition of English reserve.

The Guardian - Opinion

There was a tradition of wonderful craziness".

The Guardian

Shrewsbury has a tradition of public involvement.

The New York Times

ISMAILIS also have a tradition of philanthropy.

The New York Times

WICKENBURG, Ariz., has a tradition of hospitality.

The New York Times - Travel

You're part of a tradition of entertainer-carpenters.

The New York Times

There's a tradition of physicians writing about their errors.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a tradition of", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the tradition entails. Provide specific examples or explanations to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a tradition is universally practiced or understood. Specify the group, region, or community where the tradition is observed to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tradition of" functions as a noun phrase that introduces or characterizes a customary practice, belief, or behavior. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tradition of" is a versatile phrase used to denote established customs or beliefs, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of contexts, from formal news reports to casual discussions. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science sources. To ensure clarity, it's important to specify the context and scope of the tradition being described. By avoiding overgeneralizations and providing concrete examples, you can effectively communicate the meaning and significance of "a tradition of" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a time-honored tradition of

Highlights the respect and value associated with the tradition.

a custom of

Emphasizes the customary nature of the practice.

a history of

Focuses on the historical aspect rather than the continuous practice.

an established practice of

Highlights the formal and accepted nature of the tradition.

a deeply rooted custom of

Suggests that the tradition is fundamental and integral to a community.

a long-standing habit of

Underscores the habitual and enduring quality of the tradition.

a cultural norm of

Focuses on the tradition as a standard within a specific culture.

an age-old practice of

Emphasizes the ancient origins and longevity of the practice.

a legacy of

Focuses on what the tradition has left behind and its impact.

a conventional pattern of

Highlights the routine and expected nature of the tradition.

FAQs

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

Use "a tradition of" to describe an established custom or belief. For example, "The family has "a tradition of gathering" every Thanksgiving".

What are some alternatives to "a tradition of"?

You can use alternatives such as "a history of", "a custom of", or "an established practice of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a tradition for" instead of "a tradition of"?

While "tradition" can be used with "for" in some contexts (e.g., "a gift for tradition"), when referring to an established practice, "a tradition of" is the correct and more common usage.

What's the difference between "a tradition of" and "a history of"?

"A tradition of" implies a continuing practice or belief, whereas "a history of" simply refers to past events or developments without necessarily implying current continuation.