customs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "customs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to established practices or traditions of a particular culture or society, or to refer to the government agency that regulates the import and export of goods. Example: "During the festival, many people participate in local customs that have been passed down through generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Not only do they adopt local customs and costumes, but they also get accepted as friends and neighbours," he said.

The Guardian

"A lifestyle depends on the customs in a given country," Capello said in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

The Guardian - Sport

Leading human rights lawyer and advocate Julian Burnside QC has told the ABC that the Australian government's holding of 153 asylum seekers on a customs boat at sea may amount to piracy.

The Guardian

Despite Deodato's avowed support for indigenous peoples (he shot the movie on the border between Colombia and Brazil), none are credited, and there's little evidence of interest in their actual tribal customs.

The Guardian - Film

Belarus is a charter member of a Russia-led customs union, which the Kremlin hopes to develop into an alternative EU for former Soviet states.

The Guardian

While the customs officers were getting to grips with their discovery, Gurlitt, 80, reportedly remained in his darkened bedroom without protesting.

The Guardian

Being unable to deny a story that he had told colleagues he had scheduled a public event in Melbourne in order to justify claiming travel entitlements for a party fundraiser, Tony Abbott moved to change "the story" on Wednesday to specific actions his government was taking to increase counter-terrorism customs capacity at airports.

The Guardian

"They should not be using peacetime customs methodology," he said, adding that material was piling up at Kathmandu airport instead of being ferried out to victims.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

HM Revenue & Customs has been criticised by MPs for costing callers £136m a year by not answering telephone inquiries, despite spending £900m on customer service.

The Guardian

Britain's most senior auditor, who set up a judge-led review into the "sweetheart" multimillion-pound tax deals between HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and corporations, appeared to undermine the process before it began by telling the country's most senior tax official that the inquiry would find "nothing of substance".

The Guardian

Even the government has made loud noises about curbing tax avoidance, giving £900m to Revenue & Customs to fight it.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing cultural aspects, use "customs" to refer to traditional practices. For financial contexts, clarify if you mean "customs duties" to avoid ambiguity. In legal contexts, specify "customs and border protection" or other relevant agency name.

Common error

Avoid using "customs" interchangeably with all cultural aspects. "Customs" specifically refers to traditional practices, duties on goods, or the government agency, not broader cultural elements like art or music.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "customs" functions primarily as a noun, referring either to established practices within a society or to the government agency responsible for regulating imports and exports. Ludwig confirms the phrase's correct usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "customs" is a versatile term referring to either established practices or traditions, or to the government agency overseeing import and export duties. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and frequently used, especially in news and media. When using the term, it's crucial to provide sufficient context to clarify whether you're referring to cultural norms or trade regulations. Alternative phrases such as ""traditions"" or ""customs duties"" can enhance clarity in specific situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

traditions

Focuses on the long-established practices and beliefs passed down through generations.

customs duties

Specifically refers to the taxes imposed on imported or exported goods.

cultural practices

Emphasizes the activities and behaviors characteristic of a particular group or society.

established practices

Highlights the routines and procedures that are widely accepted and followed.

import taxes

Directly relates to the taxes levied on goods brought into a country.

export tariffs

Refers to the taxes imposed on goods sent out of a country.

accepted norms

Stresses the behaviors and standards that are generally agreed upon within a community.

conventional ways

Highlights the traditional or usual methods of doing things.

prevailing habits

Focuses on the common tendencies and behaviors that are widespread.

official tariffs

Specifically relates to the formal and government-approved taxes on trade.

FAQs

How to use "customs" in a sentence?

You can use "customs" to refer to traditional practices, as in, "The village has many unique "cultural customs"." Alternatively, it can refer to import/export duties, such as "She had to pay "customs duties" on the imported goods".

What's the difference between "customs" and "traditions"?

"Customs" often refer to specific, established practices, while "traditions" can encompass a broader range of beliefs, values, and behaviors passed down through generations. They can be interchangeable in some contexts.

What are some synonyms for "customs" related to import/export?

Synonyms in the context of import/export include "tariffs", "duties", and "excise", all of which refer to taxes on goods.

When should I use "customs" instead of "culture"?

Use "customs" when referring to specific practices or regulations related to trade or traditional social behaviors. Use "culture" for the broader set of beliefs, arts, and social institutions of a group.