accustom

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'accustom' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb meaning to become familiar with a particular situation or to become used to something. Example sentence: I had to accustom myself to the long hours at my new job.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr Bollmann sees this ability to accustom the Germans gradually to new realities, and to know when they are ready to accept more, as Mrs Merkel's particular genius.Her "politics of small steps" is communicated in a way her countrymen appreciate and foreigners find baffling.

The Economist

They found it hard to accustom themselves to the constant eye-watering reek of horse hair and human sweat.

The Economist

The firm is trying to accustom European politicians and trade unions to the fact that it has to cut back the least efficient bits of its business after losses reaching $300m in the region last year.Ford is putting itself through an agonising reorganisation.

The Economist

Now the army has to accustom itself to installing and upholding an illegal, unconstitutional regime.Even politicians close to the commander, or standing to benefit from the coup, may be wary of high office.

The Economist

But if the Filipinos are not to waste what Manila's Cardinal Jaime Sin has called their new dawn, they must chance some bad habits that 20 years of life under Mr Marcos have helped accustom them to.

The Economist

Through patient effort, Fossey was able to observe the animals and accustom them to her presence, and the data that she gathered greatly enlarged contemporary knowledge of the gorilla's habits, communication, and social structure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Raising the huge ransom for John II did much to accustom France to the idea of permanent taxation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There he tried his hand as commercial traveler and teacher but could not accustom himself to civilian life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Barbara still loved him although she hoped in time she would accustom herself to this life.

The New Yorker

Driverless cars, if they prove to be safe, may well accustom people to relying on computers in hazardous environments.

The New Yorker

Fatheree tried to use that time to accustom people gradually to the idea of losing their home.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "accustom", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is being accustomed to. For example, "accustom yourself to the new routine" is clearer than just "accustom yourself."

Common error

Avoid using "accustom" without a reflexive pronoun (myself, yourself, himself, etc.) when the subject is acting upon themselves. Saying "I will accustom to the noise" is incorrect; use "I will accustom myself to the noise" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "accustom" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object to specify what is being made familiar or habitual. As Ludwig AI highlights, "accustom" means to become familiar with something or make someone familiar with something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

7%

Academia

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "accustom" is a versatile verb used to describe the process of becoming familiar with something. As Ludwig AI states, it’s grammatically correct and usable in written English. It functions as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object, and is frequently used in neutral to formal contexts, especially in "News & Media". Common usage involves reflexive pronouns like "myself" or "yourself". Alternatives such as "familiarize" or "get used to" can be used depending on the nuance desired. When using "accustom", ensuring the sentence specifies what one is becoming accustomed to enhances clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become accustomed to

Adds a slight emphasis on the process of change and adaptation.

grow accustomed to

Highlights the gradual nature of becoming familiar with something over time.

get used to

A more informal and common way to express becoming comfortable with something.

become familiar with

Focuses on the acquisition of knowledge or experience regarding something.

habituate

Emphasizes the development of a habit or routine in response to something.

familiarize

Focuses on the process of gaining knowledge or understanding, often implying a deliberate effort to learn.

adjust

Implies making small changes to fit into a new environment or situation.

adapt

Suggests a more fundamental change in response to new conditions.

inure

Suggests a hardening or toughening through repeated exposure to something difficult or unpleasant.

acclimatize

Specifically refers to adapting to a new climate or altitude.

FAQs

How can I use "accustom" in a sentence?

You can use "accustom" to describe the process of becoming familiar with something. For example, "It takes time to "accustom oneself to" a new environment", or "The company is trying to "accustom employees to" the new software".

What are some alternatives to using "accustom"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "familiarize", "get used to", or "become accustomed to".

Is it correct to say "accustom to" or "accustom with"?

The correct preposition to use with "accustom" is "to". Therefore, you should say "accustom to" something, not "accustom with" something.

What's the difference between "accustom" and "habituate"?

"Accustom" generally means to become familiar with something, while "habituate" implies developing a habit or routine. While similar, "habituate" suggests a more ingrained behavior.