custom dictates that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "custom dictates that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a certain behavior or practice is established by tradition or social norms. Example: "In many cultures, custom dictates that guests should remove their shoes before entering a home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Islamic custom dictates that the sexes be separated.

The New York Times

Custom dictates that theater flourishes in New York.

The New York Times

Islamic custom dictates that the body be buried as soon as possible.

The New York Times

Beyond that, Islamic custom dictates that families bury their dead within hours.

The New York Times

Japanese custom dictates that a death cannot be confirmed until a formal examination has been made.

Independent

Custom dictates that these immigrant families should send surplus cash back home.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Custom dictated that Peng Guoliang not stay under the same roof before Yumi became his wife.

The Guardian - Books

A unique and peculiar custom dictated that this priest be a runaway slave and that he slay his predecessor in combat.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Law and custom dictated that enslaved women gave birth to enslaved children.

Huffington Post

This layout was a medieval concept and later, as custom dictated that servants withdraw from the principal areas of the house, these rooms became used by the family as reception and private dining rooms.

Wikipedia

Moreover, cultural customs dictated that different age groups and genders could only handle facility issues within traditional cultural expectations.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "custom dictates that" when you want to emphasize that a practice is deeply ingrained in a culture or society, rather than simply being a common occurrence.

Common error

Avoid using "custom dictates that" when describing personal preferences or habits that are not widely shared within a community or culture. A custom should be a broadly recognized practice, not an individual quirk.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "custom dictates that" functions as a connector, linking a customary practice with the specific action or behavior it necessitates. It explains the reason or justification behind certain behaviors by referencing established traditions. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

16%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "custom dictates that" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to elucidate the basis for particular actions rooted in established traditions and social norms. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Predominantly found in news, academic, and encyclopedia contexts, this phrase serves to provide clarity and justification for specific behaviors by referencing widely acknowledged cultural practices. When utilizing this phrase, ensure that the context explicitly establishes the relevant custom to avoid ambiguity. Remember that this is not simply a common action but a behaviour deeply ingrained in culture.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Tradition dictates that

Emphasizes the role of long-established traditions in prescribing a particular action.

It is customary to

Highlights the conventional or usual way of doing something, often without strong implications of tradition.

The norm is to

Focuses on what is considered standard or typical behavior within a specific group or society.

It is the done thing to

Implies social acceptability and adherence to etiquette.

Convention dictates

Stresses adherence to established rules and practices.

Etiquette requires that

Specifically refers to rules of polite behavior in society or among members of a profession.

Social norms prescribe

Indicates that a certain behavior is expected and enforced by society.

It is a matter of course to

Highlights the expected or automatic nature of a particular action.

The established practice is to

Focuses on the consistency and widespread use of a certain method or procedure.

It's the way things are done

Conveys the general understanding of how things operate within a particular context.

FAQs

What does "custom dictates that" mean?

The phrase "custom dictates that" means that a particular behavior or action is expected or required due to long-standing traditions, social norms, or cultural practices.

How can I use "custom dictates that" in a sentence?

You can use "custom dictates that" to explain why people follow certain practices. For example, "In many cultures, "custom dictates that" guests should remove their shoes before entering a home".

What are some alternatives to "custom dictates that"?

Alternatives include phrases like "tradition dictates that", "it is customary to", or "the norm is to", depending on the context.

Is "custom dictates that" formal or informal?

"Custom dictates that" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it tends to appear more frequently in formal writing or when discussing cultural or societal norms in a serious manner.