formal traditions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formal traditions" 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 ceremonies, rituals, or organizational procedures. Example: "The conference will begin with a ceremony that honors the formal traditions of our organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

Arts

Music

Culture

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

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

It's about pop culture, women, domestic life; it experiments with formal traditions; it sets up certain boundaries that the viewer has to overcome".

The Guardian - Film

"We were all a bit sick of the formal traditions of concerts, such as not clapping between movements, so Chris Wheeler, an artistic producer and I, decided to set up an orchestra to play non-classical music in a club.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 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

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

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing artistic or cultural expressions, use "formal traditions" to highlight adherence to established styles, techniques, or conventions. For example, "The ballet adhered to the "formal traditions" of classical dance."

Common error

Avoid using "formal traditions" when the context requires a more flexible or innovative approach. For example, do not say, 'The company's "formal traditions" hindered its ability to adapt to the rapidly changing market.' Consider using "established practices" or "conventional methods" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formal traditions" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to established customs or practices recognized and followed in a structured or official context. This aligns with Ludwig's examples, which showcase its use in describing cultural, artistic, and organizational conventions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formal traditions" is a grammatically sound noun phrase referring to established, structured customs. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears across diverse contexts like news, encyclopedias, and scientific articles. The expert rating underscores its reliable usage and source authority. When writing, remember to consider the context and avoid overemphasizing rigidity, opting for alternatives like "established practices" when flexibility is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

established customs

Focuses on the customary aspect, emphasizing long-standing and accepted practices.

conventional practices

Highlights the adherence to accepted norms and standards.

traditional customs

Emphasizes the heritage and historical roots of the customs.

official protocols

Refers to the set of rules or procedures that are deemed as official.

ceremonial observances

Focuses on rituals and ceremonies that are formally recognized.

prescribed behaviors

Highlights the aspect of required or expected conduct.

standard conventions

Highlights common usage, or agreement, especially in cultural practices.

ritualistic practices

Focuses on the symbolic nature and repetitive performance of the practices.

fixed procedures

Emphasizes the rigid and unchanging nature of the processes.

set patterns

Focuses on the established and predictable sequence of actions.

FAQs

How can I use "formal traditions" in a sentence?

You can use "formal traditions" to describe established customs or practices, such as in the sentence: "The wedding ceremony followed the "formal traditions" of the culture."

What are some alternatives to "formal traditions"?

Alternatives to "formal traditions" include "established customs", "conventional practices", and "traditional customs", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "formal traditions" the same as "traditional traditions"?

No, "formal traditions" refers to customs that are officially recognized and structured, while "traditional traditions" is redundant because tradition already implies something established over time. Therefore, it is better to simply use "traditional customs".

When is it appropriate to use "formal traditions" versus "informal practices"?

"Formal traditions" are suitable when discussing established, structured customs. Use "informal practices" when referring to casual or unofficial ways of doing things.