ingrained habit

USAGE SUMMARY

"ingrained habit" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe any kind of habitual behavior that has become so ingrained in someone that it has become an almost reflexive action. For example: "Breaking his ingrained habit of double checking the locks was difficult to do after years of repetition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Others find rescheduling an alarmingly ingrained habit.

The Economist

Chronic problems typically derive from some ingrained habit.

The New Yorker

But is ignorance really our enemy, or are appetite, compulsion and ingrained habit the chief culprits?

The New York Times

American television writers, by contrast, have an ingrained habit of trying to make even the most boorish characters lovable.

The New York Times - Arts

Johnson feared that the ingrained habit of giving yes/no answers might lower the pressure without solving the problem.

The New Yorker

The only thing keeping him from utter ruin is his professionalism, which expresses itself in an ingrained habit of courtesy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Our ingrained habits change us.

The New York Times

Two ingrained habits are leading to failure.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ingrained habits, like selling losing positions, have proved disastrous.

The New York Times

It shows a willingness to change ingrained habits.

The Economist

It's not easy to leave behind deeply ingrained habits.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing personal habits, use "ingrained habit" to convey a behavior that is deeply rooted and difficult to change.

Common error

While appropriate in many contexts, avoid using "ingrained habit" too frequently in formal writing. Opt for more nuanced synonyms like "established practice" or "deep-seated behavior" to add variety and precision to your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ingrained habit" functions as a noun phrase, where "ingrained" is an adjective modifying the noun "habit". It signifies a deeply rooted behavior that has become an established part of someone's routine. As shown by Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ingrained habit" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe deeply rooted behaviors that are difficult to change. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage across various contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific writing. While versatile, consider using synonyms like ""entrenched practice"" or ""deep-seated behavior"" in formal contexts to enhance precision and avoid overuse. When using this phrase, remember that it implies the behavior has become an automatic and fundamental part of someone's routine.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep-seated behavior

Emphasizes the deeply rooted nature of the behavior, focusing on its origins and strength.

entrenched practice

Highlights the established and difficult-to-change nature of the practice.

inveterate custom

Focuses on the long-standing and habitual nature of the custom.

habitual pattern

Highlights the repetitive and predictable nature of the behavior.

long-standing routine

Emphasizes the duration and consistency of the routine.

deep-rooted tendency

Focuses on the inherent and deeply established inclination.

established norm

Highlights that the habit is regarded as a standard or expected behavior.

customary practice

Focuses on the conventional and widely accepted nature of the practice.

fixed pattern

Emphasizes the rigidity and unchangeable nature of the pattern.

settled way

Highlights that the way is confirmed or established and not likely to change.

FAQs

How can I use "ingrained habit" in a sentence?

You can use "ingrained habit" to describe a behavior that is deeply rooted and difficult to change. For example, "His "ingrained habit" of checking the locks twice before leaving made him late for work."

What are some alternatives to "ingrained habit"?

Some alternatives to "ingrained habit" include "deep-seated behavior", "entrenched practice", and "habitual pattern" depending on the specific context.

Is "ingrained habit" formal or informal?

"Ingrained habit" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal or academic writing, consider using synonyms such as "established practice" or "deep-rooted tendency".

What does "ingrained habit" imply about a behavior?

"Ingrained habit" implies that a behavior is deeply rooted, automatic, and difficult to change. It suggests the behavior has been practiced over a long period and has become a fundamental part of a person's routine or character.