an age-old practice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an age-old practice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a tradition or method that has been in existence for a very long time. Example: "Meditation is an age-old practice that has been used for centuries to promote mental well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

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

University of California, Berkeley

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

Britannica

The manipulation of textiles is an age-old practice, starting with the furs of the animals we hunted.

The Guardian

It is an age-old practice, firmly rooted in tradition and so commonplace that it has come to be expected as a matter of course.

Harvard University

Germany's book culture is sustained by an age-old practice requiring all bookstores, including German online booksellers, to sell books at fixed prices.

The New York Times - Arts

Last year, during earlier stages of the drought, the king tried an age-old practice in a bid to save Morocco's crops: prayer.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 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

The practice of applying a thin paste made of cowdung, clay and cow urine, as a disinfectant, on the floor of mud (kutcha) houses in rural areas is an age old practice.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Joseph to improve your odds of buying or selling real estate is an "Italian age-old practice".

Huffington Post

The recycling of animal manure and feed wastes to the land to replenish soil nutrient reserves, thereby limiting the need for costly chemical fertilizers, is a sound and age-old practice.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an age-old practice", ensure the context clearly indicates the extensive duration and historical significance of the practice being described. This adds depth and credibility to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "an age-old practice" in casual or informal writing where simpler terms like "long-standing tradition" might be more appropriate. The phrase carries a formal tone and should align with the overall register of your text.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an age-old practice" functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that the practice has existed for a very long time. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

26%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an age-old practice" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe customs, methods, or traditions with significant historical depth. As Ludwig AI verifies, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. When employing this phrase, writers should ensure that the context warrants its slightly formal tone and that the described practice genuinely has a long and established history. While numerous alternatives exist, such as "time-honored tradition" or "long-established custom", "an age-old practice" remains a powerful way to convey the enduring nature of a particular activity or belief.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a time-honored tradition

Emphasizes the respect and value associated with the long-standing tradition.

a long-established custom

Highlights the custom's duration and its firm establishment.

an ancient ritual

Specifically refers to a ritual that has been performed since ancient times.

a traditional method

Focuses on the conventional and time-tested nature of the method.

a deeply rooted practice

Emphasizes how ingrained and fundamental the practice is.

a historical convention

Highlights the historical aspect and the conventional nature of the practice.

a classic approach

Suggests that the approach is not only old but also of high quality and enduring value.

a venerable custom

Implies that the custom is worthy of respect due to its age and importance.

an ancestral habit

Connects the habit to one's ancestors and their practices.

a bygone technique

Suggests the technique is from a past era and may no longer be commonly used.

FAQs

What does "an age-old practice" mean?

The phrase "an age-old practice" refers to a custom, tradition, or method that has been in existence for a very long time, often centuries. It suggests that the practice is well-established and has historical significance.

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

You can use "an age-old practice" to describe various customs or methods. For example, "Meditation is "a time-honored tradition" that has been used for centuries to promote mental well-being."

What can I say instead of "an age-old practice"?

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

Is it appropriate to use "an age-old practice" in formal writing?

Yes, "an age-old practice" is suitable for formal writing. Its somewhat elevated tone makes it well-suited for academic papers, reports, and other professional documents.