age-old practice

USAGE SUMMARY

"age-old practice" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It can be used to describe a practice that is long-standing and traditional, such as the practice of a family gathering for Thanksgiving every year. Example: "This Thanksgiving marks the continuation of our family's age-old practice of gathering together for a meal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Here are some tips for renewing an age-old practice.

University of California, Berkeley

But modern technology has also brought a revival of the age-old practice of matchmaking.

The New York Times

Or consider Agenda, a restaurant devoted to the age-old practice of skewering meat.

The New York Times - Travel

Even then, they indulge in the age-old practice of what Churchill called "terminological inexactitude".

The Guardian

TUCSON — The age-old practice of feigning disrespect is an annual affair in the N.C.A.A. tournament.

The New York Times - Sports

The barter of goods or services among different peoples is an age-old practice, probably as old as human history.

Britannica

When sick cattle, treated with diclofenac, died, their carcasses were disposed in the open as was the age-old practice.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The collection and recycling of lead acid batteries has been an age old practice because of their value as a major source of lead units.

Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid Batteries

Application of smoke generated from the burnt cow dung as mosquito repellent and subsequent ash as cleaning agent for kitchen utensils is an age old practice.

Bioresources and Bioprocessing

Tem Açúcar is Portuguese for "do you have sugar?" cleverly named after the age old practice of sharing sugar with your neighbors.

Forbes

Hegic points to the age old practice by humans of the falsification of historical events to form a narrative.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "age-old practice", ensure the context clearly indicates that the practice has existed for a considerable duration and is recognized as traditional.

Common error

Don't use "age-old practice" to describe something that is merely old or outdated. The phrase implies a sense of tradition and historical significance, not just antiquity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "age-old practice" functions as a noun phrase, where "age-old" acts as a compound adjective modifying the noun "practice". It describes a particular kind of practice, emphasizing its long history and tradition, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "age-old practice" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe customs, traditions, or methods that have been in use for a significant amount of time. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's frequently found in news, scientific, and academic sources, indicating its versatility and widespread acceptance. While alternatives like "long-standing tradition" or "time-honored custom" exist, it's important to use the phrase in contexts where the historical significance and longevity of the practice are relevant. Avoid using it simply to describe something old, as this diminishes its intended meaning and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long-standing tradition

Emphasizes the established nature and historical continuity of the practice.

time-honored custom

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

ancient tradition

Focuses on the great age and historical roots of the practice.

traditional method

Points to the established and conventional way of doing something.

established practice

Underlines the firm and accepted nature of the practice.

long-established custom

Combines the aspects of length of time and widespread acceptance.

venerable tradition

Suggests the practice is worthy of deep respect due to its age and significance.

historical practice

Highlights the connection of the practice to historical events and periods.

time-tested method

Implies that the practice has proven its worth through prolonged use.

age-honored tradition

Combines both the age and respect elements, suggesting that the tradition is respected for its age.

FAQs

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

You can use "age-old practice" to describe traditions or customs that have been around for a long time. For example, "The village still observes the "long-standing tradition" of celebrating the harvest with a communal feast".

What are some alternatives to "age-old practice"?

Some alternatives to "age-old practice" include "time-honored custom", "ancient tradition", or "traditional method", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "very age-old practice"?

Yes, using "very" with "age-old practice" is generally redundant. The term "age-old" already implies something that is very old, so adding "very" doesn't significantly change the meaning.

What's the difference between "age-old practice" and "outdated method"?

"Age-old practice" suggests a long-standing tradition or custom, often with positive connotations. "Outdated method", on the other hand, implies that the practice is no longer effective or relevant and is often viewed negatively.