force of tradition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "force of tradition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the strong influence or impact that traditional practices or beliefs have on individuals or society. Example: "Despite the changing times, the force of tradition kept the community united in their customs and values."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

He rejected the ethical force of tradition, and created the modern idea of autonomy.

University of California, Berkeley

In those cases of non-consensual kidnapping, male pride emboldened by force of tradition is unashamed.

The Guardian

In Native American cultures, the artist's ability to communicate successfully depended largely upon the recognition of the force of tradition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Such is the force of tradition, for while no one wants to eat the ornamental coleslaw and pickles, everybody expects to see them on the table.

The Guardian - Music

By the 5th dynasty, fixed institutions had been added to the force of tradition and the regulation of personal contact as brakes on autocracy, but the charismatic and superhuman power of the king remained vital.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Reason itself is among them the effort to advance constructively while gripped by the irrational force of tradition, of unexpressed assumptions and unexamined mythologies, repressed desires and frustrated aspirations, undiscussed history and unacknowledged grief.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The romance thickens predictably, the forces of tradition rise up to douse the light of progress, and, perhaps not quite soon enough, somebody ends up headless.

The New York Times

Nima Yushij was the first to propose a radical renewal of Persian poetry, not only of its contents but also of its prosody and imagery, but he found the opposing forces of tradition to be very strong.

Encyclopedia Britannica

David Stafford (ex Galvin, Le Café Anglais and River Café) knows there's no point battling against the forces of tradition, so his menu is liberally blessed with, yes, game (when in season), pies and puddings.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Another scene shows the choir playfully singing an arrangement of Schubert's String Quintet in C. Two male characters, the composer Ignaz von Seyfried and the Kapellmeister Joseph Drechsler, comment admiringly on Sulzer's efforts, but there is little sense of the conflicting forces of tradition and innovation that could have given "The Vienna Rite" dramatic heft.

The New York Times - Arts

…on the binding force of oral tradition ("the unwritten Torah") still remains a basic tenet of Jewish theological thought.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the "force of tradition", consider the specific context. Is tradition acting as a positive influence, providing stability and cultural continuity, or is it a negative one, hindering progress and perpetuating harmful practices? Your choice of language can shape the reader's perception.

Common error

Avoid presenting the "force of tradition" as an unstoppable juggernaut. Acknowledge that traditions can be challenged, adapted, and even discarded. A nuanced approach will make your writing more persuasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "force of tradition" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the compelling influence that established customs and beliefs exert on individuals and societies. As Ludwig AI points out, it's correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

23%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Science

9%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "force of tradition" is a common noun phrase used to describe the powerful influence of established customs and beliefs. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, and academic writing. While generally neutral in tone, writers should be mindful of the specific context, acknowledging that traditions are not immutable and can be subject to change. Alternative expressions such as "power of tradition" and "influence of tradition" offer nuanced ways to convey the same concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

power of tradition

Replaces "force" with "power", emphasizing the influence tradition holds.

influence of tradition

Substitutes "force" with "influence", focusing on tradition's effect.

weight of tradition

Uses "weight" instead of "force", highlighting the burden or pressure tradition can impose.

impact of tradition

Replaces "force" with "impact", emphasizing the effect tradition has.

sway of tradition

Employs "sway" to suggest the controlling influence tradition has.

compelling nature of tradition

Uses "compelling nature" to describe how tradition drives people.

grip of tradition

Replaces "force" with "grip", indicating tradition's hold.

dominance of tradition

Uses "dominance" to highlight tradition's control.

authority of tradition

Highlights tradition's power and accepted legitimacy.

customary influence

Switches focus to "customary" practices, highlighting the influence of habits.

FAQs

How can I use "force of tradition" in a sentence?

You can use "force of tradition" to explain why certain customs persist, even in the face of change. For example: "The "force of tradition" kept the villagers from adopting modern farming techniques."

What is a synonym for "force of tradition"?

Synonyms include "power of tradition", "influence of tradition", or "weight of tradition". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "force of tradition" or "strength of tradition"?

Both "force of tradition" and "strength of tradition" are acceptable. "Force" emphasizes the active influence of tradition, while "strength" highlights its resilience and endurance. Choose the term that best aligns with your intended meaning.

How does the "force of tradition" impact societal change?

The "force of tradition" can act as both a catalyst and an impediment to societal change. It can provide a foundation of shared values and beliefs, but also resist new ideas and practices. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for analyzing social and cultural shifts.