custom

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "custom" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a habit or practice that is specific to a particular group or region. For example: "In some cultures, it's a custom to kiss both cheeks when greeting someone new."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Except that's not going to happen while so many industries are based here and so many sandwich shops and dry-cleaners and wine bars are reliant on their custom.

The Guardian - Opinion

Antonio Cassano had his own custom T-shirt on display after Parma's win on Sunday, one that simply read "Buy Bari".

The Guardian - Sport

How different to today, where you're faced with a baffling array of bottles when you walk down the average supermarket aisle, and several types of tonic compete for your custom.

The Guardian

You take your pictures, drop the film off at the nearest photo developing shop (and, to be fair, they'll probably be thrilled by your custom in this day and age) and then the photos are yours to keep.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Shanxi is a seductive book, a glimpse of a world of pagan custom that somehow endures against the odds, dreamlike and entrancing.

The Guardian - Arts

The custom and practice of striking in Britain is that many no voters and most of the non-voters will join their striking workmates come 30 November.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

In our years of working in Haiti, we've shown that humanure composting is easily adaptable, and you don't need to rely on custom-made or imported equipment.

The Guardian

It was, he remembers, "state of the art": a grand public building with elegant, deco curves to the custom-made furniture, handsome timber bookshelves and bright brass handrails up the stairs.

The Guardian

In the first published images of the couple's August wedding in the south of France, Jolie wears a custom-designed ivory dress designed by Donatella Versace, featuring elegant spaghetti straps and a ruched bodice.

The Guardian - Film

In addition, being able to buy DSPs off the shelf has saved the company a fortune in not having to create a custom-built chipset from scratch.The company's co-founder and chief executive, Paul Heinerscheid, talks of adding a GPS (global positioning system) feature to the receivers.

The Economist

In many ways the art market is custom-made for money laundering: it is unregulated, opaque (buyers and sellers are often listed as "private collection") and many transactions are settled in cash or in kind.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "custom", consider whether "tradition", "practice", or "convention" might be more precise, depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all members of a group adhere to a specific "custom". Be mindful that practices can vary within cultures and may evolve over time.

Linguistic Context

The word "custom" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a long-established practice or tradition. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts like cultural traditions and business practices. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "custom" is a common and grammatically correct noun used to denote established practices and traditions. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English, often appearing in contexts related to cultural norms and business conventions. Examples curated by Ludwig demonstrate its versatility across various fields. When considering synonyms, be mindful of subtle differences in meaning to ensure precise communication. As highlighted by Ludwig, understanding the nuances of "custom" and related terms enhances clarity and cultural sensitivity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tradition

Emphasizes the handing down of beliefs or behaviors from one generation to another.

practice

Focuses on the habitual performance of an action or behavior.

convention

Highlights established norms or standards within a group or society.

habit

Refers to an individual's recurring behavior, often without conscious thought.

usage

Indicates the way something is generally done or used.

wont

Describes an established pattern of behavior, often in a specific context.

manner

Refers to a way of doing something, often characteristic of a particular person or group.

routine

Highlights a sequence of actions regularly followed.

fashion

Denotes a prevailing style or practice, particularly in clothing or behavior.

norm

Indicates a standard or pattern of behavior that is considered typical or acceptable.

FAQs

How can I use "custom" in a sentence?

You can use "custom" to refer to a long-established practice or tradition within a particular group or society. For example, "It is a local "custom" to celebrate the harvest with a festival."

What are some synonyms for "custom"?

Alternatives include "tradition", "practice", "convention", and "habit", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "custom" to describe an individual's behavior?

While "custom" typically refers to a group's behavior, you might use "habit" or "practice" to describe an individual's recurring actions.

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

"Custom" refers to a general practice, while "tradition" often implies a deeper cultural significance and is passed down through generations.