as was customary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as was customary" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
For example, "During ancient Greek weddings, the groom was expected to give the bride's father a dowry, as was customary."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He enlisted in the army in 1750 at age eleven, as was customary for noble children.

Wikipedia

Guildford made a short speech to the assembled crowd, as was customary.

Wikipedia

If as was customary Frank carried only five rounds, then he only fired three shots.

Wikipedia

Sherman, as was customary at the time, remained in Washington and did not attend the convention in Chicago.

Wikipedia

Both blocked, and both, as was customary then, played on defense as well as offense, Davis as a defensive back, Blanchard as a linebacker.

Los Angeles Times

Senior had responded adversarially, as was customary.

The New Yorker

As was customary, the sheets were initially left unbound.

The New Yorker

He tooted his horn in greeting, as was customary.

The Guardian

Both are seated, as was customary after the time of Raphael in portraits presenting important ecclesiastics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As was customary, the City brought this action in the name of the Mayor, commonalty, and citizens of London.

Columbia University

From their gallery upstairs, women glimpsed the goings-on through an intricate wooden screen, as was customary in Orthodox Judaism.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as was customary" to provide context and explain why something was done a certain way in the past. This helps readers understand the historical or cultural background.

Common error

Avoid assuming that what "as was customary" in one context automatically applies to all situations. Customs vary greatly by region, time period, and social group, so be specific about the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as was customary" functions as an adverbial phrase, providing additional information about the manner or way in which an action was performed. It modifies a clause by indicating that the action aligned with established traditions or practices. Ludwig's examples show it introducing context about past behaviors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

22%

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Academia

14%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as was customary" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to provide context and explain actions by referencing established traditions or practices. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage. It's particularly useful in historical discussions, analytical writing, or when describing cultural practices. The phrase's register is generally neutral to formal, making it suitable for a variety of writing contexts. Alternatives such as "as was traditional" or "as was the practice" can be used to add nuance, but "as was customary" remains a clear and effective way to link actions to established norms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as was the tradition

This alternative emphasizes the role of tradition in establishing the custom.

as was the practice

This alternative focuses on the practical aspect of the custom, referring to how things were usually done.

as was the habit

This alternative highlights the habitual nature of the custom.

as was the norm

This alternative stresses that the custom was the standard or expected behavior.

in accordance with tradition

This phrase uses a more formal tone to convey adherence to established traditions.

in line with custom

This alternative suggests alignment with established customs.

according to established practice

A more formal option that emphasizes the well-established nature of the custom.

by convention

This alternative is shorter and more concise, referring to customs established through social conventions.

traditionally

This is a simple adverb that conveys the same meaning, emphasizing the historical aspect of the custom.

typically

This adverb indicates that something was usual or representative of a particular time or place.

FAQs

How can I use "as was customary" in a sentence?

You can use "as was customary" to explain why a particular action or practice was followed in a specific context. For instance, "In the Victorian era, calling cards were left to signal a visit, "as was customary"."

What are some alternatives to "as was customary"?

Alternatives to "as was customary" include "as was traditional", "as was the practice", or "typically". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "as was customary" in modern writing?

Yes, it is appropriate to use "as was customary" in modern writing, especially when discussing historical or cultural practices. It helps provide context and explain past behaviors or traditions.

What is the difference between "as was customary" and "as is customary"?

"As was customary" refers to a practice that was common in the past, while "as is customary" refers to a practice that is currently common. For example, "Paying respects to elders "as was customary" in the past, is still valued today "as is customary" in many cultures."