formal tradition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formal tradition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to established customs or practices that are recognized and followed in a formal context, such as in ceremonies, institutions, or cultural practices. Example: "The university has a long-standing formal tradition of holding an annual graduation ceremony to honor its graduates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Your work, sir, Mr. Ramsey said, follows a certain tradition, shall we say, a formal tradition, as in that last poem you read, "Stopping in Woods".

The New Yorker

The highly formal tradition of Japanese Nō drama incorporates music as an integral feature, usually performed by flute, a variety of stringed instrument called the samisen, drums, and singers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And most important of all was that, in their creative fealty to an old-fashioned formal tradition, they connected this generation to the great poets of the Russian past; Nadezhda Mandelstam, the poet's widow, declared Brodsky a second Mandelstam.

The New Yorker

In later years the firm was famous for championing the formal tradition of the Italian Renaissance and its Classical antecedents, particularly because the styles embodied a view of the increasingly powerful United States that placed it in this grand lineage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is as if Mrs. Roosevelt was rebelling against the formal tradition she was forced to adhere to for most of her life, first as a debutante, then as a governor's wife and finally as first lady.

The New York Times - Arts

It feels as if Mr. Fischl is on firmer ground in his more recent, less complicated pictures, which feature his friends and family and approach figurative painting in the serious, formal tradition of artists like Philip Pearlstein, Lucian Freud or another East End master, Fairfield Porter.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Irreverent and trend-driven, the goods reflect what is happening in Protestant churches, where people are leaving formal, tradition-steeped denominations in favor of independent, informal but theologically conservative churches.

The New York Times

The formal traditions of classical concerts sometimes surprise newcomers.

The New York Times - Arts

Less frequently seen in bulk is more conservative-looking work, usually painting, that balances Chinese formal traditions with Western modernism.

The New York Times - Arts

Some critics see Roussel as a reviver of the old French formal traditions stemming from Jean-Philippe Rameau, with a venturesome harmonic style traced partly to Igor Stravinsky.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They were not avant-gardists, experimentalists or innovators but musicians determined to uphold European formal traditions, though in an updated harmonic language and with an American accent.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "formal tradition", ensure the context clearly indicates an established and recognized practice, often associated with institutions, ceremonies, or cultural heritage. This phrase is more suitable for describing established customs rather than emerging trends.

Common error

Avoid using "formal tradition" to describe everyday habits or personal preferences. This phrase carries a sense of established and often institutionalized practice, making it inappropriate for casual or informal settings. Instead, use "custom", "habit", or "practice" depending on the nuances you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formal tradition" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase correctly denotes an established and recognized practice often associated with institutions or cultural heritage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

27%

Science

19%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formal tradition" is a noun phrase used to describe established and recognized customs or practices, often associated with institutions, ceremonies, or cultural heritage. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English, primarily in neutral to formal contexts. Examples from Ludwig show its common use in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While it is less common than a simple "tradition", it carries the connotation of official recognition and established protocol. For alternative phrasings, consider "established convention" or "official custom" to tailor the nuance to the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

established convention

Focuses more on the aspect of an agreement or practice being well-recognized and long-standing.

official custom

Emphasizes the sanctioned and recognized nature of the practice, often by an authority.

traditional practice

Highlights the aspect of the practice being rooted in the past and handed down through generations, without specifying the degree of formality.

conventional procedure

Underscores the procedural and methodological aspect of the established way of doing things.

prescribed method

Focuses on the rule-based aspect of the practice, suggesting that it is often required or mandated.

ceremonial rite

Specific to ritualistic practices, which may or may not be formal in the broader sense.

ritualistic custom

Similar to "ceremonial rite", but potentially less structured or formalized.

time-honored practice

Highlights the age and respected nature of the practice.

accepted norm

Emphasizes the social acceptance and widespread adherence to a certain way of behaving or acting.

fixed procedure

Highlights the unchangeable or rigid nature of the procedure.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "formal tradition" in a sentence?

To effectively use "formal tradition", ensure that the context involves an established, recognized, and often institutionalized custom or practice. For instance, "The university upholds the "formal tradition" of academic regalia at graduation ceremonies." This indicates a long-standing and respected practice within the institution.

What are some alternatives to "formal tradition" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "established convention", "official custom", or "traditional practice". Each alternative carries slightly different connotations, so choose the one that best fits the specific meaning you want to convey.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the phrase "formal tradition"?

The phrase "formal tradition" is most appropriate in contexts involving institutions, ceremonies, or cultural heritage where practices are well-established and recognized. It's suitable for describing customs in academic settings, religious institutions, or historical contexts. Avoid using it in casual or informal scenarios.

What distinguishes "formal tradition" from a simple "tradition"?

While "tradition" simply refers to a practice passed down through generations, "formal tradition" implies a more structured, recognized, and often institutionalized custom. The term "formal" adds a layer of official recognition and established protocol to the practice, setting it apart from more casual or informal traditions.