but in custom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but in custom" is not standard and may be confusing in written English.
It could be used in contexts discussing traditions or practices, but it would need more context to clarify its meaning. Example: "The event was celebrated with great enthusiasm, but in custom, it was a more subdued affair."

News & Media

Academia

Lifestyle

Garden

Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science & Research

Sport

Travel

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Their moral tone was high, their thrift anddiligence exemplary; they made and mined and banked and became rich.But in custom, and in that crucial class marker in England,language, to an educated English southerner, they were at bestprovincial, at worst uncouth.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Her signature power move has been to wear the world's most sought-after labels, but in custom-made pieces that channel no one's aesthetic but her own.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Rugs in her Signature Collection are made in Maine and cost more, but come in custom sizes.

The New York Times

Ms. Curtis has a wicker store, also called Leslie Curtis Antiques & Design, in Los Angeles (323-653-2999), which offerestorationion work and antiques but specializes in custom pieces, like curvy Deco-style club chairs and hefty stick-wicker sofas set with pleasingly sinking cushions.

The New York Times

74 1 His regulations, moreover, that tended to inspire frugality and moderation in the life of the individual citizen and to create a passion for justice, which preserves the harmony of the State, were exceedingly numerous, some of them being comprehended in written laws, and others not written down but embodied in custom and long usage.

University of Chicago

We're offering the tables, but I specialize in custom work and I can do virtually anything.

The New York Times

Six years ago, a Greek designer, Christina Kara, founded Blue, a fashion store in the East Village that originally offered ready-to-wear clothing but now specializes in custom formal and wedding wear.

The New York Times

However, there are often operations that these specialized libraries do not support, but are nevertheless necessary in custom applications.

University of California, Berkeley

The ghetto-blaster boom-box of the 1970s may have gone the way of bell-bottom trousers, but over-amped stereos in custom trucks and street rods have surely taken their place.

The Economist

Many sepia-toned with age and quite small but here perfectly installed in custom vitrines, they are revelations of daily life and the progress of the work, of cubism, of the wives and mistresses, and of his circle.

Huffington Post

Secretary of State John Foster Dulles knew, of course, that the plane had threatened Soviet airspace, but in the custom of the time, he charged Moscow with a "willful violation" of international law by "trigger-happy pilots" over international waters.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but in custom", ensure the context clearly establishes the customary practice you're contrasting with. Consider if more common alternatives like "according to tradition" or "despite the custom" might provide greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "but in custom" without clearly defining the specific custom being referenced. Ambiguity can lead to misinterpretation and weaken your intended contrast. Consider providing a brief explanation of the custom before introducing the contrast.

Linguistic Context

The phrase primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to express a contrast against established norms or traditions. It introduces a condition or exception to what is generally expected. As noted in Ludwig, the phrase's usage can be improved with clearer alternatives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Lifestyle

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but in custom" is a less common way to express a contrast within established practices. Ludwig AI indicates it might not be the clearest choice, suggesting alternatives like "according to tradition" or "as per custom". Analysis reveals the phrase appears more frequently in news, academic, and encyclopedia contexts. While grammatically acceptable, using more common alternatives often provides greater clarity and avoids potential awkwardness. Ensure a clear context for the custom being referenced when using "but in custom". Overall, it's essential to prioritize clarity and precision in writing, and alternative phrasing might be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

However, according to tradition

Replaces "but in custom" with a more explicit reference to tradition as the contrasting element.

Yet, as per custom

Uses "yet" to indicate contrast and specifies adherence to custom.

Nonetheless, traditionally

Emphasizes the traditional aspect while still showing a contrast.

Despite the usual practice

Highlights the contrast by directly mentioning a deviation from usual practice.

In contrast to common practice

Directly compares to what is commonly done, offering a formal tone.

Although it's usually done this way

Provides a conversational tone while highlighting a deviation.

Even though it's the norm

Similar to the above, but uses "norm" instead of "usual practice".

Notwithstanding established customs

A formal alternative that clearly indicates a deviation from established customs.

Contrary to customary behavior

A more emphatic way to indicate opposition to standard behaviors.

Conversely, following convention

Highlights an opposite action that adheres to convention.

FAQs

What does "but in custom" mean?

The phrase "but in custom" is used to express a contrast or exception within established traditions or practices. It indicates that something is happening differently from what is normally done or expected based on custom.

Is "but in custom" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "but in custom" is less common and can sound awkward to some native English speakers. Alternatives like "according to tradition" or "as per custom" are often preferred for clarity and grammatical correctness.

What can I say instead of "but in custom"?

You can use alternatives such as "however, traditionally", "yet, as per custom", or "despite the usual practice" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "but in custom"?

It is appropriate to use "but in custom" when you want to highlight a contrast or deviation from an established tradition or practice. However, ensure that the custom is clearly defined and that the phrase doesn't create ambiguity. Consider using alternatives for increased clarity.