appeal to custom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appeal to custom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the influence of traditional practices or norms on behavior or decision-making. Example: "In many cultures, an appeal to custom is often used to justify certain social practices that have been passed down through generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Beyond that appeal to custom, the arguments against enrolling noncitizens get a little feeble.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Remember that when we look at Enlightenment thinkers we're concerned first and foremost with the fact that they are all motivated by the idea of individual freedom as the highest good, and basing politics on scientific principles rather than appeals to custom, or natural law, or religion, or tradition, or anything else.

Yale University

The British translations were also Anglicised to appeal to British customs and values.

Wikipedia

I loved the bizarre light relief of Mrs Antwi's dildo anecdote, her appeal to the airport customs officers on arrival in England to "stop and search the Von Trapp family" instead of her own.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Rather, in our dealings with the sensible world, we must remain Humean skeptics, who can appeal to regularities and customs in our attempts to explain the empirical world, but who recognize that these explanations always remain provisional and unsure, since they never meet the demands of reason.

SEP

According to Bristow, Ellis could not accept Symonds's appeal to ancient Greek customs, which served to challenge sexological models of inversion by highlighting that "cultural forces influence the shaping of homosexual desire".

English Studies

The International Council of Museums released a list of cultural treasures in peril and appealed to Interpol, customs officers and art traders to watch out for looted Libyan goods.

The Guardian

YouTube stars are seemingly custom-created to appeal to Netflix and its digital-savvy customers.

TechCrunch

But if there's one aspect of the culture that can transcend above its insular customs and appeal to a broad range of people of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds, it's the music and if there's one person who can be trusted to bring this music to a wider audience without watering it down, it's MikeQ.

Vice

Other security experts say that the recent building workers' union settlement will lead to more computer training, and that new custom software will appeal to many building managers.

The New York Times

A game with official rules while encouraging custom rules will appeal to players' freedom.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "appeal to custom", ensure that the custom is well-established and relevant to the argument. Avoid using it to justify practices that are harmful or discriminatory.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all members of a group adhere to a particular custom. Recognize that customs can evolve and that individual interpretations may vary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appeal to custom" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of referencing or using traditional practices as a basis for argument, justification, or explanation. Ludwig AI validates this as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "appeal to custom" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of justifying something by referencing traditional practices. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While less common, its usage appears across various contexts like news, academia, and general discussions. When employing this phrase, consider whether the custom in question is ethically sound and broadly accepted. Alternatives such as ""reliance on tradition"" or "deference to custom" might provide nuanced alternatives in certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reliance on tradition

Focuses on the act of depending on established customs.

deference to custom

Emphasizes respect and submission to traditional practices.

invocation of tradition

Highlights the act of formally calling upon tradition as justification.

reference to established practice

More explicitly mentions that customs are already in place.

adherence to convention

Focuses on sticking to accepted rules and norms.

respect for tradition

Emphasizes valuing and upholding traditional customs.

following established norms

Highlights the act of behaving according to accepted standards.

upholding tradition

Stresses the importance of maintaining and preserving customs.

observance of customs

Focuses on the act of complying with traditional practices.

acknowledgment of tradition

Highlights the recognition and acceptance of established customs.

FAQs

How can I use "appeal to custom" in a sentence?

You can use "appeal to custom" to explain why a certain practice is followed, such as: "The politician's "appeal to custom" resonated with the older voters who valued tradition".

What's the difference between "appeal to custom" and "tradition"?

"Tradition" refers to the custom itself, while "appeal to custom" refers to the act of using that custom as a justification or argument.

Is it always appropriate to "appeal to custom"?

No, it is not always appropriate. While it can be a valid argument in some contexts, it should not be used to justify practices that are unethical or harmful. Consider the potential impact and whether the "reliance on tradition" is truly beneficial.

What can I say instead of "appeal to custom"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as ""reliance on tradition"", "deference to custom", or "invocation of tradition".