convention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "convention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a widely accepted practice, custom, or standard in a particular field or context. Example: "The convention in academic writing is to cite sources properly to avoid plagiarism."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That test, it will be argued, is not compatible with article 2 of the European convention which protects the right to life.

The Guardian

"What we need is a waterfront development with a convention centre".

The Guardian

Peperstraat 23-25, [phone], restaurantgreetje.nl, mains around €25. Open Tues-Fri, Sun 6pm-10pm, Sat 6pm-11pm Off the beaten track, this fish restaurant is something of an Amsterdam institution, despite its location by an out-of-town roundabout, next to the RAI convention centre.

The Guardian - Travel

The European convention on human rights and fundamental freedoms (to give it its full title), as scheduled in the Human Rights Act 1998, is an outcrop of the international law of human rights, and is not, other than remotely, derived from the ancient event of our constitutional history at Runnymede 800 years ago.

The Guardian

Furthermore, the United Nations office on drugs and crime recently released an Implementation guide and evaluative framework (pdf) for Article 11 of the UN convention against corruption.

The Guardian

I have to say that I never thought a British government, let alone a Conservative one, would ever have thought of withdrawing from the convention for which, of course, we were responsible".

The Guardian

Think of David Maxwell Fyfe [the future Tory lord chancellor the Earl of Kilmuir who drafted the convention].

The Guardian

Senior Tories have said that the prime minister will face a crippling rebellion unless he drops the threat, outlined last October by the former justice secretary Chris Grayling, to withdraw from the European convention on human rights if a series of changes were rejected.

The Guardian

The build-up to the convention has been overshadowed by the highly controversial "legitimate rape" remarks made by Todd Atkin, a congressman from Missouri, and his subsequent refusal to quit his bid for re-election despite pressure from the party's leadership.

The Guardian

An hour south of Austin, in the lobby of the Westoak Woods Baptist Church convention centre, morgellons sufferers from the US, UK, Spain, Germany and Mexico gather by the breakfast buffet.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

O'Donnell questioned the prime minister's interpretation of the constitutional convention when he indicated that the leader of the largest party does not automatically become prime minister.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about international agreements, specify the full name of the "convention" on its first mention for clarity. For example, "the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)".

Common error

Avoid using "convention" imprecisely. Ensure the context makes it clear whether you are referring to a formal meeting, an agreement, or a widely accepted practice.

Linguistic Context

The word "convention" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a formal meeting or gathering, an agreement, or a widely accepted practice. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "convention" is a versatile noun used to describe formal gatherings, agreements, or accepted practices. Ludwig AI analysis validates its correctness, with common usage in news, media, and formal business contexts. The source quality is high, with most examples sourced from reputable news outlets like The Guardian. When using the term "convention", consider the specific context to ensure clarity – are you referring to a meeting, a treaty, or a social norm? By specifying the type of "convention" you intend, you can avoid ambiguity and enhance your writing's precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assembly

Highlights the structured and organized nature of a gathering, similar to a formal "convention".

meeting

Focuses specifically on the gathering aspect of a convention, omitting the formal or procedural connotations.

norm

Refers to a standard or expected behavior, similar to a "convention" as a social practice.

treaty

Implies a formal agreement between entities, often nations, mirroring a specific type of "convention".

protocol

Highlights specific procedures or rules, especially in diplomatic settings, similar to a "convention" outlining conduct.

gathering

Emphasizes the act of people coming together, which may be less formal than a "convention".

practice

Focuses on a common way of doing things, like a professional or social "convention".

custom

Underscores a widely accepted practice or behavior, a sense of "convention" rooted in social norms.

agreement

Shifts the focus to a mutual understanding or contract, one of the meanings of "convention".

pact

Stresses the binding nature of an agreement, like a formal "convention" or treaty.

FAQs

How is "convention" used in international law?

In international law, a "convention" refers to a formal agreement or treaty between states. Examples include the Geneva "Convention" and the Vienna "Convention" on Diplomatic Relations.

What's the difference between a "convention" and a custom?

A "convention" is a formal agreement or meeting, while a custom is a long-established practice that has become accepted as the norm. Both can influence behavior, but a "convention" is typically codified, whereas a custom is not.

How do I know which meaning of "convention" is intended?

Context is key. If you read about delegates or meetings, it likely refers to a gathering. If it discusses treaties or agreements between nations, it refers to a formal pact. Otherwise, it likely means a widely accepted practice or norm.

What are some examples of social "conventions"?

Social "conventions" include things like shaking hands as a greeting, waiting in line, or following certain etiquette rules at a formal dinner. These are unwritten rules that govern social interactions.