as a habit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'as a habit' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is a regular or an expected practice. For example, "John always brings dessert to family gatherings as a habit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Humor, as a habit of mind, is subversive.

The New Yorker

In the present work, we have used urea as fuel and as a habit modifier.

Physica B: Condensed Matter

Dr. McGinnis recommends establishing exercise as a habit, almost like taking a prescription medication.

Harvard University

Girardi, as a habit, dismisses players' struggles by saying he believes in his guys.

The New York Times - Sports

I realised: I go there as a habit, not because of any real belief".

The Guardian - Film

"Unfortunately, reading is not the No. 1 priority as a habit.

The New York Times

Inevitably these actors attract people to the theatre who don't go to as a habit.

The Guardian

You need to develop writing as a habit that fits into your daily routine.

The Guardian

Smoking, as a habit, seems to be an inferior good the higher your income, the less of it you do.

The Economist

So pet-keeping as a habit, averaged out, is probably not having any major effect on health in either direction.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In 1929, peyote was categorized as a "habit-forming drug" by the federal government, but members of the NAC continued to hold clandestine peyote meetings.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a negative behavior, use "as a habit" to emphasize how ingrained it is, suggesting that it may be difficult to change.

Common error

While acceptable, "as a habit" can sometimes sound repetitive in very formal contexts. Consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "routinely" or "customarily" to improve the flow and sophistication of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a habit" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that an action is performed regularly or routinely. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

27%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a habit" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe actions performed regularly and routinely. Ludwig confirms its widespread use across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, Academia and Wiki articles. While versatile, it's essential to consider the level of formality required for your writing; in very formal settings, synonyms like "routinely" or "customarily" might be more appropriate. Remember that "as a habit" focuses on the regular performance of an action, distinguishing it from "out of habit", which emphasizes the unthinking nature of the action. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "as a habit" to enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a matter of course

More formal and emphasizes the expected nature of the action.

on a regular basis

Highlights the consistent frequency of the action.

in a habitual manner

More descriptive and slightly more formal.

regularly

Single word adverb indicating frequency.

routinely

Single word adverb suggesting an established procedure.

in accordance with routine

Formal and emphasizes adherence to a set procedure.

typically

Single word adverb indicating what usually happens.

customarily

Single word adverb instead of a prepositional phrase; more concise.

as per usual

Informal and emphasizes typicality.

by rote

Implies mechanical repetition without thought.

FAQs

How can I use "as a habit" in a sentence?

You can use "as a habit" to describe something done regularly or routinely. For example, "She drinks tea every morning "as a habit"" or "He checks his email "as a habit", even on weekends."

What are some alternatives to "as a habit"?

Alternatives to "as a habit" include "routinely", "regularly", "customarily", or "as a matter of course". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "as a habit" or "out of habit"?

"As a habit" describes the act of doing something regularly. "Out of habit" describes the reason for doing something automatically without thinking. For example, "He exercises "as a habit"" (regular practice) versus "He checked his phone "out of habit"" (unthinking action).

Can "as a habit" refer to negative behaviors?

Yes, "as a habit" can describe both positive and negative behaviors. For example, "She practices gratitude "as a habit"" (positive) or "He interrupts people "as a habit"" (negative).