age-old customs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "age-old customs" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to refer to traditions or practices that have been followed for a very long time. An example would be: "The festival celebrates age-old customs that have been passed down through generations." Alternative expressions include "ancient traditions" and "time-honored practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 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

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

Each Rajput chief, along with his sons and close relatives, received high rank, pay, perquisites, and an assurance that they could retain their age-old customs, rituals, and beliefs as Hindu warriors.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 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

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about culture or history, use "age-old customs" to emphasize the enduring nature of the traditions. This phrase is particularly effective in contrasting historical practices with modern developments.

Common error

Avoid using "age-old customs" when describing relatively recent trends or habits. The phrase is most impactful when referring to traditions with a truly long history, and sounds hyperbolic if used incorrectly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "age-old customs" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "age-old" modifies "customs". It describes practices or traditions of considerable antiquity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely recognized and readily usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "age-old customs" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe practices with long-standing historical roots. Ludwig AI indicates that this is a correct and usable phrase. Analysis of various sources shows it is frequently used in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While offering a neutral tone, it's important to use it judiciously, focusing on genuinely old traditions. Alternatives like "ancient traditions" or "time-honored practices" can add nuance. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and is effective in emphasizing the endurance and significance of historical practices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ancient traditions

Focuses on the historical aspect, emphasizing the great age of the traditions.

time-honored practices

Highlights the respect and value associated with these practices over time.

long-established traditions

Emphasizes the duration of the tradition's existence.

venerable customs

Suggests that the customs are worthy of respect due to their age and significance.

historic practices

Highlights the historical importance of the practices.

traditional ways

A more general term referring to established methods or behaviors.

customary observances

Focuses on the act of following the customs or rituals.

entrenched habits

Emphasizes how deeply ingrained these customs are within a society.

longstanding conventions

Highlights the formal or agreed-upon nature of these customs.

time-tested conventions

These conventions have been proven effective through extended use.

FAQs

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

You can use "age-old customs" to refer to traditions that have been followed for a very long time. For example: "The festival celebrates "age-old customs" that have been passed down through generations."

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

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

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

"Age-old customs" emphasizes the great length of time the customs have existed, while "old customs" simply indicates that the customs are not new. The former adds a sense of historical depth and tradition.

What is the difference between "age-old customs" and "traditions"?

"Age-old customs" specifically refers to practices that have been around for a very long time, whereas "traditions" is a broader term that can include customs of any duration. The phrase "age-old" adds a sense of antiquity and historical significance.