ancient customs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ancient customs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to traditional practices or beliefs that have been passed down through generations, often associated with a particular culture or society. Example: "The festival celebrated ancient customs that have been observed for centuries in the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

There may be some wisdom in these ancient customs".

The New York Times

But they have also started to alter ancient customs.

The New York Times

The Tushetian rhythm of life is defined by ancient customs.

The Guardian

In fact, some authorities doubted whether governments had the right to change ancient customs at all.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Clare loathed agriculture enclosure because of what it did to settled communities and ancient customs.

The Guardian - Books

Ancient customs don't always die; sometimes they survive, if only to reappear in ethnic festivals.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Those taboo enforcers rallied around an ancient custom.

The Washington Post

Eastern ascetics chide the Catholics for committing the original sin of putting convenience before ancient custom.

The Economist

The people, reviving an ancient custom, raised a huge mound to his memory near the city.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is an ancient custom... It's supposed to bring us luck for the next season".

The New Yorker

Exchange of eggs is an ancient custom, celebrated by many cultures.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about cultures, provide specific examples of the "ancient customs" you are referencing to enhance clarity and avoid generalizations.

Common error

Avoid using "ancient customs" as a vague descriptor for any old practice. Ensure the customs genuinely have historical depth and cultural significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ancient customs" primarily functions as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to refer to practices with historical significance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

21%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ancient customs" is a noun phrase used to describe long-standing traditions and practices with historical significance. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It frequently appears in contexts such as news media, encyclopedias, and academic writing. While generally neutral in register, it carries a formal tone suitable for serious discussions. When using this phrase, providing specific examples enhances clarity. Alternatives include "traditional practices", "time-honored traditions", and "historical traditions".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

traditional practices

Replaces "customs" with "practices", emphasizing the habitual nature of the traditions.

time-honored traditions

Substitutes both "ancient" and "customs" to highlight the respect and longevity associated with the practices.

historical traditions

Replaces "ancient" with "historical", focusing on the past origin of the traditions.

age-old practices

Uses "age-old" to describe the duration of the practices instead of "ancient".

venerable traditions

Emphasizes the respect and reverence associated with the traditions by using "venerable".

long-standing customs

Focuses on the continuous existence of the customs over a significant period.

established practices

Highlights the acceptance and integration of the practices within a society.

traditional observances

Replaces "customs" with "observances", shifting the focus to the act of following the traditions.

ancestral traditions

Stresses the origin of the traditions from ancestors.

cultural heritage

Broadens the scope to encompass the entire inherited cultural legacy, including customs.

FAQs

How can I use "ancient customs" in a sentence?

You can use "ancient customs" to describe long-standing traditions or practices. For example: "The tribe still adheres to many "ancient customs" despite modern influences."

What are some alternatives to saying "ancient customs"?

Alternatives include "traditional practices", "time-honored traditions", or "historical traditions" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Are "ancient customs" still relevant in modern society?

The relevance of "ancient customs" varies. Some are preserved and celebrated, while others adapt or fade away due to changing societal norms and values.

What is the difference between "ancient customs" and "cultural heritage"?

"Ancient customs" are specific practices passed down through generations, while "cultural heritage" is a broader term encompassing all inherited traditions, monuments, objects, or intangible aspects of a culture.