a widespread tradition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a widespread tradition" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a custom or practice that is commonly accepted or practiced by a large group of people. Example: "Celebrating the New Year with fireworks is a widespread tradition in many cultures around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"There is a widespread tradition in this country that a tough border protection policy helps boost confidence in a large-scale immigration policy".

The Guardian

Such treatments – part of a widespread tradition of "medicinal cannibalism" using flesh, fat, blood and bone – were so popular that come the 18th century, there were customs duties on skulls imported from the battlefields of Ireland.

The Guardian - Opinion

In addition, living in the husband's house after marriage is a widespread tradition in China (Feldman et al. 2006).

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Scientists don't know whether infected milk can sicken people, but experts say the results are reason enough to warn against drinking raw camel milk, a widespread tradition in the Middle East.

Science Magazine

Contrasting these methods of dealing with the dead to the corpses left in the bogs, he argues that the latter must represent evidence for a widespread tradition of human sacrifice devoted to a fertility goddess, citing the writings of Tacitus as evidence.

Wikipedia

Lifelong foot binding is a widespread tradition in ancient China, which still affects a significant number of older women living in rural regions.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The archaic pattern of the dema deity needs to be distinguished from the widespread tradition among technically more sophisticated agricultural peoples of the bountiful mother earth or the god or goddess of vegetation or special crops.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The veneration of ancestors has led to the widespread tradition of tomb building, as well as the highlands practice of the famadihana, whereby a deceased family member's remains may be exhumed to be periodically re-wrapped in fresh silk shrouds before being replaced in the tomb.

Wikipedia

The late occurrence of postoperative VTEs [ 3- 5] and the widespread tradition with internist diagnosing and treating VTEs could also reduce the awareness of thromboembolic complications among orthopaedic surgeons.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Among Native Americans in North America, the Mexican Tarahumara are among the few who still maintain the once widespread tradition of ultra-distance running (Rascón and Batista, 1994).

American Journal of Human Biology

Based on the widespread tradition of qualitative research in Germany, especially of qualitative research evidence based on the field of nursing, we decided to use the checklist of Behrens and Langer from the University of Halle [ 26].

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a widespread tradition", ensure the context clearly indicates which group or society the tradition is widespread within to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "a widespread tradition in East Asia" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a widespread tradition" without providing context or evidence. Claiming something is a widespread tradition without supporting details can weaken your argument and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a widespread tradition" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies a custom or practice that is common and accepted by a large group. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, highlighting its established place in the language.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

27%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a widespread tradition" is a noun phrase used to describe customs or beliefs commonly practiced by a large group, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, though ensuring context and providing specific details enhances clarity and credibility. While often neutral in tone, its specific purpose is to describe and inform rather than persuade, commonly found in news and academic sources. Related phrases offer alternative expressions, but maintaining precise meaning requires careful consideration. When employing the expression, avoid overgeneralization and ground the tradition within a particular social context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common practice

Replaces "tradition" with "practice", focusing on the habitual nature of the custom.

a prevalent custom

Substitutes "widespread" with "prevalent" and "tradition" with "custom", indicating common acceptance.

a well-established custom

Highlights the long-standing nature and stability of the custom.

a shared cultural practice

Emphasizes the cultural aspect and communal participation in the practice.

a broad cultural norm

Uses "broad" instead of "widespread" and specifies "cultural norm" to emphasize societal acceptance.

a general trend

Shifts the focus to a trend rather than a set custom, implying a direction or movement.

a common cultural heritage

Emphasizes the inherited aspect of a tradition, focusing on its role as part of a group's history.

a typical behavior

Replaces "tradition" with "behavior", highlighting actions common among a group.

a popular social convention

Highlights the social and agreed-upon nature of the tradition, suggesting it is widely accepted and followed.

a recognized norm

Focuses on the acceptance of a standard, differing slightly from a practiced tradition.

FAQs

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

You can use "a widespread tradition" to describe a custom or belief that is common and accepted across a large group of people. For example, "Celebrating birthdays with cake is "a widespread tradition" in many countries".

What are some alternatives to saying "a widespread tradition"?

Alternatives include "a common practice", "a prevalent custom", or "a general trend", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always accurate to describe something as "a widespread tradition"?

Not necessarily. Before using the phrase, ensure that the tradition is indeed widely practiced and not just a local or niche custom. Research and verify the extent of its prevalence.

What's the difference between "a widespread tradition" and "a cultural norm"?

"A widespread tradition" refers specifically to customs or beliefs passed down through generations, whereas "a cultural norm" encompasses any standard of behavior or belief that is typical within a society, whether it's age-old or relatively new.