customary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "customary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is traditional, usual, or widely accepted in a particular context or culture. Example: "It is customary to greet guests with a handshake when they arrive at a formal event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're underway again with NSW kicking long, as is customary.

The Guardian - Sport

Currently in pole position to secure the third place in the table – and by no means out of the running to compete with Manchester City for second – Arsenal look well-placed to cement what has become their customary passage to the Champions League.

The Guardian - Sport

Di Matteo is supposed to be lucky No7, the big name who brings sustained progress and maybe the odd trophy, the charismatic, energetic coach with broad enough shoulders to deal with the customary high-tension environment of Schalke 04.

The Guardian - Sport

Rousseau, Wordsworth, Thoreau were all recruited with customary flourish to his classical cause.

The Guardian - Opinion

Perhaps the best indicator of the level of collective indignation was how everyone was so blinded by rage they forgot to anoint the episode with the customary 'gate' suffix.

The Guardian

But despite a tight first set which Kvitova took 8-6 on the tie-break she remained calm and in control, firing down her customary fill of winners with her powerful serve and a forehand that makes a cracking sound.

The Guardian - Sport

In the obituaries for the late tycoon, it's been customary to distinguish between two Alan Bonds: the bad Bond who was a shonky bankrupt jailed for criminal business practices and the good Bond, who did Australia proud at Newport.

The Guardian - Opinion

The customary "look but don't touch" etiquette for art exhibitions is about to be torn up at the Carsten Höller show in London, where members of the public will be invited to spend a comfortable if discombobulating night stretched out in one of the works – a bed which will pass the hours of darkness trundling slowly around the Hayward Gallery.

The Guardian - Arts

Webb could not snipe with his customary fast-twitch acceleration and Biggar had to run the show on his own.

The Guardian - Sport

Luz has drawn Muhammad in his customary abbreviated manner, simple and sketchy with thick rapid lines.

The Guardian - Opinion

Factor in the customary friendliness of a South American people, an abundance of natural produce and a favourable exchange rate, and the case seems simple.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "customary", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects whether something is based on tradition, common practice, or established norms. For example, in legal contexts, it might refer to customary law; in social settings, it describes typical behavior.

Common error

While "customary" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound repetitive. Try to replace it with synonyms like "traditional", "conventional", or "established" to add variety and precision to your language.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "customary" primarily functions to describe something that is in accordance with custom or is commonly practiced. Ludwig indicates that this term is correctly and widely used, aligning with numerous examples in the provided data.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "customary" is a versatile adjective used to describe practices or behaviors that are in accordance with custom or common practice. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability, supported by numerous examples. While highly frequent in news and formal contexts, "customary" should be used thoughtfully to avoid repetition, especially in formal writing. Consider synonyms like "traditional", "usual", or "conventional" to add nuance to your writing. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for diverse professional and academic purposes. Ensure that the chosen synonym appropriately reflects tradition, habit, or convention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

usual

Indicates what most often happens or is expected in a given situation.

traditional

Focuses on practices passed down through generations, emphasizing heritage.

conventional

Refers to practices that conform to accepted standards or norms.

habitual

Describes actions done out of habit, often on a personal level.

established

Highlights the long-standing and recognized nature of a practice.

standard

Emphasizes adherence to a set of accepted criteria or expectations.

common

Indicates widespread occurrence or acceptance.

widespread

Highlights the broad geographical or demographic distribution of a practice.

typical

Describes something that is representative of a particular group or category.

prescribed

Suggests a rule or guideline that dictates what should be done.

FAQs

How can I use "customary" in a sentence?

You can use "customary" to describe something that is in accordance with custom or usual practice. For example: "It is "customary" to tip service staff in many countries."

What is a good substitute for "customary"?

Good substitutes for "customary" include "traditional", "usual", or "conventional". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "customary" or "traditional"?

Whether to use "customary" or "traditional" depends on the context. "Customary" emphasizes common practice, while "traditional" highlights practices passed down through generations.

What's the difference between "customary" and "habitual"?

"Customary" refers to practices that are common or expected within a group or society, while "habitual" describes actions that are done out of personal habit.