is it customary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'Is it customary' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking whether something is usually done in a particular place or situation. For example, "Is it customary to bring a gift when attending a dinner party in this country?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Also, is it customary for German mothers to teach their five-year-old children to smoke?

The New Yorker

For instance, is it customary in your office to host baby or bridal showers and invite only the female employees?

BBC

This in turn is meant to motivate the claim that we believe in ordinary objects and not extraordinary objects because we are born into a culture in which is it customary to take there to be these things rather than those.

SEP

Is it customary for you to watch the match? A. Usually I get home and I get the NBC coverage and I'll watch that.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Q: What was it customary to do?

Columbia University

However, while the use of an excitation reference is customary, it is not required.

Biomedical Optics Express

It is then customary to speak of promoter action.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In Kansas City, it is not customary to eat cookie dough.

The New Yorker

It is normally customary to get a hardcover Bible.

WikiHow

On some campuses, it is customary to pay; on others, it is not.

WikiHow

"It's strategic, it's customary and, frankly, I think it's smart".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is it customary", clearly define the context (e.g., culture, workplace, social group) to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Is it customary to tip?", specify "Is it customary to tip in this country's restaurants?"

Common error

Avoid assuming that what is customary in one specific context is universal. Always acknowledge that customs can vary significantly across different regions, communities, or even specific social circles. Stating "Is it customary to X?" without context can lead to misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is it customary" serves as an interrogative expression used to inquire whether a certain action, behavior, or practice aligns with established norms, traditions, or generally accepted standards within a specific context. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely understood.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is it customary" is a grammatically sound phrase used to inquire about common or traditional practices. Ludwig AI validates the phrase's correctness and usability. While not exceptionally frequent, its occurrence across diverse sources like news outlets, academic texts, and encyclopedias underscores its versatility. When using this phrase, clarity in defining the context is crucial to avoid potential misunderstandings and ensure effective communication. By providing related phrases and guidance on best practices, Ludwig helps users navigate the subtleties of English usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is it usual

Replaces "customary" with "usual", focusing on typical or expected behavior. Slightly less formal.

is it typical

Substitutes "customary" with "typical", highlighting something representative of a group or category.

is it common practice

Replaces the single word "customary" with a two-word phrase highlighting if something is a widespread action.

is it the norm

Emphasizes whether something aligns with standard or accepted behavior within a specific context.

is it standard practice

Highlights whether something is an officially accepted or prescribed way of doing things, often in professional settings.

is it generally accepted

Focuses on broad agreement or endorsement of a particular behavior or practice.

is it traditional

Highlights customs or practices that have been passed down through generations.

is it conventional

Stresses adherence to established norms or standards, especially in social or cultural contexts.

is it habitual

Focuses on something that is done out of habit or routine, rather than necessarily being a broader custom.

is it the done thing

An idiomatic expression (primarily British) indicating whether something is socially acceptable or expected.

FAQs

How can I use "is it customary" in a sentence?

You can use "is it customary" to inquire about common or traditional practices. For example: "Is it customary to tip in this country?" or "Is it customary to bring a gift to a housewarming party?"

What's the difference between "is it customary" and "is it common"?

"Is it customary" refers more specifically to practices that are traditional or culturally established. "Is it common" simply asks if something occurs frequently, without necessarily implying tradition or cultural significance.

What are some alternatives to saying "is it customary"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "is it usual", "is it typical", or "is it standard practice" to convey a similar meaning. Consider the nuance you wish to express when selecting an alternative.

Is "is it customary" formal or informal?

"Is it customary" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language and the specific situation.