adherence to tradition

USAGE SUMMARY

"adherence to tradition" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means following or sticking to traditional customs or beliefs. Example: The small town prides itself on its strict adherence to tradition, with annual events such as the corn festival and the Christmas parade remaining unchanged for decades.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Just don't expect strict adherence to tradition.

The New York Times

That adherence to tradition appeals to some readers.

The New York Times

Mr. Nakazawa's personal style is looser than his master's, but his adherence to tradition runs deep.

The New York Times - Food

It's that sort of stubborn adherence to tradition that makes for great wine values.

The New York Times - Food

Most ambitiously, Millepied aspired to free the company from what he saw as its hidebound adherence to tradition.

The Guardian

The sponsor of the show was Opus Dei, a Catholic group known for its adherence to tradition.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Only political courage and compromise, coupled with adherence to traditions that call upon Congress to fulfill its unique constitutional duty, can avert an impending crisis.

The New York Times

The problem, he said, is compounded by the older generation's sometimes rigid adherence to traditions like importing religious leaders from rural communities who have no experience in the West.

The New York Times

The adherence to traditions forged in other climates reminds me of colonies that I've visited or lived in — the leather desk in a tent on the veldt, the seasonal bundling up that goes on in subtropical Hong Kong.

The New Yorker

This is a cult brand, and that demands an adherence to traditions.

Forbes

From 1966 onwards, The Kinks came to be known for their adherence to traditions of English music and culture, during a period when many other British groups dismissed their heritage in favour of American blues, R&B and pop styles.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "adherence to tradition" to highlight the tension between innovation and established practices. It's effective for exploring the value of the past in a changing world.

Common error

Avoid vague claims about "adherence to tradition" without providing context or evidence. Instead, offer precise details about the specific traditions and the extent to which they are followed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adherence to tradition" functions as a noun phrase often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and commonly used way to describe a commitment to established customs. Examples show it in contexts ranging from cultural practices to personal beliefs.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adherence to tradition" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes a commitment to maintaining established customs and beliefs, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase and is suitable for a range of contexts, from news reporting to academic analysis. The phrase is commonly found in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, showing its broad applicability. While a very similar alternative like "dedication to heritage" exists, using specific examples and avoiding overgeneralization are key to employing "adherence to tradition" effectively in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dedication to heritage

Focuses on the commitment to preserving cultural heritage.

commitment to the old ways

Emphasizes the dedication to maintaining traditional practices.

conformity to customs

Highlights the act of aligning with established customs.

devotion to established norms

Stresses the dedication to following societal norms.

allegiance to conventional methods

Highlights loyalty to traditional approaches.

respect for the past

Emphasizes valuing and honoring historical practices.

observance of ancestral practices

Focuses on the act of following practices from ancestors.

upholding cultural values

Stresses the act of maintaining important cultural principles.

maintaining traditional beliefs

Highlights the act of preserving customary beliefs.

staying true to heritage

Emphasizes faithfulness to one's cultural background.

FAQs

How can I use "adherence to tradition" in a sentence?

You can use "adherence to tradition" to describe a group or society's commitment to maintaining its customs and beliefs. For example, "The community's strong "adherence to tradition" is evident in their annual festivals and ceremonies."

What is a good substitute for "adherence to tradition"?

Alternatives include "dedication to heritage", "commitment to the old ways", or "conformity to customs". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Consider using "dedication to heritage" when emphasizing cultural preservation.

Is it better to say "adherence to tradition" or "following tradition"?

"Adherence to tradition" is more formal and emphasizes a strong, committed approach, while "following tradition" is more general and simply means practicing traditional customs. Use "adherence to tradition" when the commitment is significant.

What does "blind adherence to tradition" imply?

"Blind adherence to tradition" suggests following customs without critical thought or evaluation. It implies a rigid and unquestioning acceptance of practices, even if they may be outdated or harmful. In contrast, thoughtful adherence involves considering the value and relevance of traditions.