age-old custom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "age-old custom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a tradition or practice that has been followed for a very long time, often passed down through generations. Example: "The festival is an age-old custom that brings the community together every year to celebrate their heritage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Wotan replies: "Age-old custom / is all you can grasp".

The New Yorker

They are a congregation of individuals, under the age-old custom.

The New York Times

It's mind-blowing, the size, the craftsmanship!" The Nizams accumulated jewels over generations in the age-old custom of nazar.

The New York Times

By reviving an age-old custom, consumption of electrical power in the summer months can be reduced.

The New York Times

In 2001, no one imagined that English children would be prevented from pursuing the age-old custom of conkering.

Independent

Trash-talking is an age-old custom in the sprints, where athletes look for the slightest edge in races decided by hundredths of a second.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Despite the signs of modernity in Buzescu, the Roma still abide by many of their age-old customs.

The New York Times

In the best of circumstances, these community courts are forums for resolving local disputes by consensus using age-old customs.

The New York Times

The eight dances on the program, drawn from village traditions and arranged for the stage, were fascinating in their suggestion of age-old customs.

The New York Times - Arts

But federal laws compete with age-old customs, as well as a decade of state-level sharia law in Muslim states.

The Guardian

Still, respect and rights were conditioned on the willingness of Jews to abandon their age-old customs and their communal identity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a custom, provide context about its origins or significance to enhance the reader's understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "age-old custom" in a way that could be seen as glorifying harmful or outdated practices without proper critical analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "age-old custom" functions primarily as a noun phrase modifier, where the adjective phrase "age-old" describes the noun "custom". It suggests that the custom has existed for a very long time. Ludwig confirms the correctness and usability of this expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "age-old custom" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe long-standing traditions or practices. As Ludwig confirms, its usage is both correct and meaningful. While not exceedingly frequent, it appears most commonly in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, writers should consider the cultural implications and avoid insensitive portrayals of customs. Alternatives such as "ancient tradition" or "time-honored practice" offer similar meanings. Understanding the function and purpose of "age-old custom" can help writers to convey the significance of historical and cultural practices with accuracy and respect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ancient tradition

Emphasizes the historical depth and long-standing nature of the tradition.

time-honored practice

Highlights the respect and value associated with the practice over time.

long-established tradition

Focuses on the duration of the tradition's existence.

venerable custom

Suggests a custom that is respected due to its age and history.

traditional practice

A more general term, referring to practices passed down through generations.

historical convention

Highlights the historical aspect of the custom as a societal norm.

inherited ritual

Focuses on the aspect of customs being passed down through generations.

established tradition

Stresses the tradition is well known and accepted.

time-tested custom

Implies that the custom has proven its value over many years.

long-standing practice

Similar to 'long-established tradition', but slightly less formal.

FAQs

How can I use "age-old custom" in a sentence?

You can use "age-old custom" to describe traditions or practices that have been followed for a very long time. For example: "The festival is an "age-old custom" that brings the community together every year to celebrate their heritage."

What can I say instead of "age-old custom"?

You can use alternatives like "ancient tradition", "time-honored practice", or "long-established tradition" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "age-old custom" or "old custom"?

"Age-old custom" emphasizes the great age and historical significance of the custom. "Old custom" simply indicates that the custom is not new. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "age-old custom" and "age-old tradition"?

The terms are very similar and often interchangeable. "Custom" refers more to a practice, while "tradition" encompasses a broader range of cultural elements passed down through generations.