develop the habit of

USAGE SUMMARY

"develop the habit of" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to suggest that someone begin engaging in a certain behavior on a regular basis. For example: "It's important to develop the habit of saving a portion of your earnings every month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

"People have to actively and consciously develop the habit of self-compassion".

The New York Times

Apparently some habits are hard to break, and regulars have had years to develop the habit of dropping by on the way to work.

The New York Times

Worse still, there is now clear evidence of a "cohort effect": younger voters who don't vote today are less likely than previous generations to develop the habit of voting as they move into middle age.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is no doubt that personal unhappiness is part of why both men and women develop the habit of drinking, but these intimate stories leave out something larger, something less easy for any individual to challenge or address.

The Guardian - Books

TEACHING by example remains the best way for parents to inspire charitable values, but experts — and some former children — say there are other methods to help young people develop the habit of giving, even in families of modest means.

The New York Times

The idea is to bring people back to its shops regularly, increasing the likelihood that they will develop the habit of shopping there.Another great hope is that mobile phones will come to the rescue of conventional retailers.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

A determination to develop the habits of looking outward at all costs was almost a piece of cognitive therapy for him.

The Guardian - Books

Only if they begin to build up a core of knowledge can they develop the habits of mental discipline that must last them a lifetime.

The Economist

On only one point is he at one with the consensus: the poor need to develop the habits of self-reliance, so that they can end poverty the old-fashioned way -- by fighting it.

The New York Times - Books

How about helping kids develop the habits of "persistence" and "stretching beyond self-expectations"?

Huffington Post

But there is virtually nothing about the design that helps us develop the habits of heart and mind essential to democracy.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When encouraging someone to adopt a new behavior, use "develop the habit of" followed by a specific, actionable verb. For example, "develop the habit of reading for at least 30 minutes before bed" provides a clear and achievable goal.

Common error

Instead of broadly suggesting to "develop the habit of being productive", specify concrete actions like "develop the habit of prioritizing tasks each morning" for more effective habit formation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop the habit of" functions as a verb phrase used to encourage or instruct someone to establish a consistent behavior. It sets the stage for adopting new behaviors or routines. As Ludwig AI explains, you can use it to suggest that someone begin engaging in a certain behavior on a regular basis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "develop the habit of" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase for encouraging the formation of new routines. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's effective for suggesting consistent engagement in a specific behavior. It holds a neutral to slightly formal tone, commonly appearing in news, self-help guides, and academic discourse. To maximize its impact, follow it with concrete actions. While alternatives like "cultivate a practice of" exist, "develop the habit of" remains a straightforward choice for promoting positive change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cultivate a practice of

Focuses on nurturing and growing a specific action, implying dedication and care in its establishment.

form a routine of

Emphasizes the creation of a structured sequence of actions, highlighting the procedural aspect.

establish a pattern of

Stresses the regularity and predictability of the behavior, indicating a consistent and observable trend.

adopt a custom of

Suggests embracing a behavior that is widely accepted or traditional, highlighting its social or cultural aspect.

inculcate a tendency for

Implies instilling a natural inclination or predisposition towards a certain behavior, often through education or training.

get into the way of

Highlights the process of integrating a new behavior into one's daily life, emphasizing its gradual and natural incorporation.

build up a tradition of

Focuses on creating a long-lasting and meaningful behavior, emphasizing its historical and commemorative significance.

foster a disposition toward

Suggests encouraging a positive attitude or mindset that supports a particular behavior, highlighting its psychological aspect.

acquire an inclination to

Implies gaining a preference or liking for a specific behavior, emphasizing its personal and subjective appeal.

settle into a mode of

Focuses on finding a comfortable and sustainable way of behaving, emphasizing its practicality and adaptability.

FAQs

How can I use "develop the habit of" in a sentence?

You can use "develop the habit of" to encourage the adoption of beneficial behaviors, such as "develop the habit of exercising regularly" or "develop the habit of saving a portion of your income".

What is an alternative to "develop the habit of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "cultivate a practice of", "form a routine of", or "establish a pattern of", all of which suggest forming a consistent behavior.

Is it better to say "develop the habit of" or "form the habit of"?

Both "develop the habit of" and "form the habit of" are grammatically correct and widely used. "Develop the habit of" often implies a gradual process, while "form the habit of" suggests a more deliberate action.

What's the difference between "develop the habit of" and "maintain the habit of"?

"Develop the habit of" refers to the initial process of establishing a new behavior, while "maintain the habit of" focuses on sustaining a behavior that is already in place.