according to custom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "according to custom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to practices or traditions that are generally accepted or followed within a particular culture or community. Example: "According to custom, it is customary to greet guests with a warm welcome and offer them refreshments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The regular customers, who, according to custom, "own" their tables on certain nights of the week unless they surrender them, were there.

The New York Times

According to custom, she took the name of her owner.

The New Yorker

According to custom, her father held a bouquet of flowers — white, fragrant calla lilies.

The New Yorker

According to custom, when a new sultan ascends, his brothers are strangled.

The New Yorker

It wasn't safe and, according to custom, it wasn't supposed to be a woman's job.

The Guardian

Its members did not behave rationally; they behaved according to custom and moral convention.

The New Yorker

Interior was still billed $52,000, again according to custom, the report said.

The Washington Post

The $105,000 cost was billed to Interior, according to custom, the report said.

The Washington Post

Discord and heavy thoughts, according to custom, can wait until after the Lunar New Year.

The New York Times

According to custom, Ms. Udvardy argues, vigango should never be moved, even if a family relocates and leaves them behind.

The New York Times

Afterwards, according to custom, she received her dowry gifts and drank tea from the same glass as her husband.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "according to custom" to lend an authoritative and informed tone to your writing, particularly when discussing historical or cultural practices.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a custom is universally practiced within a group. Always verify the specific community or context to which the custom applies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "according to custom" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, specifying that an action or situation aligns with established practices or conventions. Ludwig AI validates this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "according to custom" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate that an action or situation is in alignment with established practices. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various domains, including news, academia, and general knowledge. While variations like "as is customary" and "traditionally" exist, "according to custom" serves as a clear and authoritative way to contextualize behaviors and practices within specific cultural or community norms. It is important to ensure the custom is accurately represented and understood within its particular scope.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as is customary

Replaces "according to" with "as is", slightly emphasizing the conventional nature of the practice.

by convention

Focuses on the agreement or generally accepted way of doing things.

traditionally

Highlights the historical aspect of the custom or practice.

in accordance with tradition

A more formal way of saying "according to custom", emphasizing adherence to established tradition.

following established practice

Emphasizes the act of adhering to a well-known and accepted way of doing something.

as per usual

Indicates that something is happening in the typical or expected way.

in keeping with tradition

Highlights the act of maintaining or preserving a tradition.

by established protocol

Implies a formal or official set of rules or procedures being followed.

in compliance with custom

Emphasizes the obligatory aspect of following a custom.

as a matter of course

Suggests that something is done automatically or as a standard procedure.

FAQs

How can I use "according to custom" in a sentence?

Use "according to custom" to indicate that a practice or behavior is in line with established traditions. For example, "According to custom, guests remove their shoes before entering the house."

What phrases are similar to "according to custom"?

Similar phrases include "as is customary", "by convention", and "traditionally", all indicating conformity to established practices.

Is it appropriate to use "according to custom" in formal writing?

Yes, "according to custom" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing cultural or historical practices. It lends an authoritative tone to your writing.

What's the difference between "according to custom" and "according to tradition"?

While similar, "according to tradition" generally emphasizes practices passed down through generations, while "according to custom" can refer to more localized or community-specific practices. Both phrases are often interchangeable, but "according to tradition" may imply a longer history.