ancient tradition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ancient tradition" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to customs or practices that have been passed down through generations and are rooted in history. Example: "The festival is celebrated every year, honoring an ancient tradition that dates back thousands of years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Eating too much is an ancient tradition.

The New York Times

The ancient tradition of misogynist jokes!

The New York Times

"It's an ancient tradition, in fact".

The New York Times

Many fishermen continue an ancient tradition of skilled navigation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Music in Maharashtra, like Marathi literature, has an ancient tradition.

Britannica

She says the government is simply reviving an ancient tradition.

The Guardian

"Yoga is an invaluable gift of India's ancient tradition.

The Guardian

But this ancient tradition is in mortal danger.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Applying an ancient tradition to a new situation is a creative, stimulating and empowering act.

The New York Times

Israeli society is engaged in a continuing evolution, blending the best of modernity and ancient tradition.

The New York Times

Kiev's ancient tradition as a cultural centre is still vigorously alive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the origins of a practice, use "ancient tradition" to underscore its deep historical roots and enduring significance.

Common error

Avoid using "ancient tradition" to describe customs that are only a few generations old. This can dilute the impact of the phrase and create a sense of exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ancient tradition" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "ancient" modifies the noun "tradition". It describes a tradition that has existed for a very long time. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ancient tradition" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys the long-standing nature of a practice or belief. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's particularly prevalent in news and encyclopedic contexts, where its purpose is to highlight the historical depth and enduring significance of traditions. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the described custom genuinely has deep historical roots to avoid exaggeration. Consider alternatives like "time-honored custom" or "age-old practice" for nuanced meanings. Its broad applicability makes it a valuable asset in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time-honored custom

Replaces "ancient" with "time-honored", emphasizing the respect and value associated with the custom.

age-old practice

Substitutes "ancient" with "age-old", highlighting the extended duration of the practice.

long-established tradition

Emphasizes the duration and stability of the tradition.

venerable custom

Replaces "ancient" with "venerable", stressing the respect and reverence it commands.

old custom

Simple substitution of "ancient" with "old", focusing on the age of the custom.

traditional practice

Focuses on the practice being part of a tradition without necessarily emphasizing its age.

historical practice

Highlights the historical aspect of the practice.

established custom

Implies the custom is not new and has been around for some time, but doesn't emphasize age as strongly.

custom of old

Uses a more literary phrasing to denote a custom from a distant past.

bygone tradition

Highlights that the tradition may no longer be widely practiced.

FAQs

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

You can use "ancient tradition" to describe practices or beliefs that have been passed down through many generations. For example, "The festival is rooted in "ancient tradition" and celebrates the harvest season."

What are some synonyms for "ancient tradition"?

Alternatives include "time-honored custom", "age-old practice", or "long-established tradition", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "ancient tradition" to describe something from the medieval period?

While the medieval period is relatively distant in time, "ancient tradition" typically refers to practices with origins stretching back much further, such as to antiquity or prehistoric times. Consider using "medieval custom" or "historical practice" instead.

What's the difference between "ancient tradition" and "cultural practice"?

"Ancient tradition" specifically emphasizes the age and historical depth of a practice. "Cultural practice" is a broader term that simply refers to any common practice within a particular culture, regardless of its age. A cultural practice might be an "ancient tradition", or it could be a more recent development.