it is customary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it is customary' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to indicate a specific custom or general practice that is expected or standard. For example: "It is customary in Cuba for the bride to carry a bouquet of calla lilies on her wedding day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is customary to drown the chips in sauce.

The New York Times - Arts

Among observant Jews it is customary, however, to eat matzos throughout Passover.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Klaus says that it is customary for leaders to keep pens after signing accords.

The New York Times

It is customary to have a lady walk through a door first.

The New Yorker

It is customary, however, to speak of sensible and latent heat.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is customary for a minister to be present at debates.

Independent

It is customary for all taxes, fees and charges to be bundled into your air fare.

Independent

After a secret ballot, it is customary for the weakest among them to withdraw.

The New York Times

It is customary for us pedants to denounce "losing out" as an American waste of space.

Independent

It is customary to divide the GHE into three generations: Early, Younger, and Last.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is customary to distinguish between lexical and grammatical aspect.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is customary" to clearly indicate a widely accepted practice or tradition, avoiding ambiguity by specifying who adheres to the custom.

Common error

Avoid using "it is customary" without specifying the context or group for whom the custom applies, as customs vary significantly across cultures and situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is customary" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying that something is done according to custom or tradition. Ludwig examples show its use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

29%

Science

27%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is customary" is a versatile phrase used to denote established practices and traditions across various fields, ranging from news reporting and scientific studies to general knowledge and cultural norms. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. While very common, remember to provide a context and specificity about 'who' or 'where' this phrase refers to. The phrase finds frequent application in contexts like News & Media, Science and Wiki and it is seen in authoritative sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is standard practice

Replaces "customary" with "standard practice", emphasizing adherence to established procedures.

it is common practice

Similar to "standard practice", but emphasizes the frequency of the behavior.

it is the usual way

Substitutes "customary" with a more straightforward description of typical behavior.

it is the norm

Identifies the practice as the typical or expected behavior.

it is conventional

Emphasizes that the behavior follows established conventions or social norms.

it is generally accepted

Focuses on the widespread agreement regarding a practice.

it is typical

Directly states that the behavior is representative of a larger pattern.

it is the tradition

Highlights the historical and cultural aspect of the custom.

it is expected

Indicates that the behavior is anticipated or required in a given situation.

it is habitual

Suggests the practice is a deeply ingrained habit or routine.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is customary" to describe a common or traditional practice. For example, "It is customary to tip service staff in many countries".

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

Alternatives include phrases like "it is common practice", "it is standard practice", or "it is traditional" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it is customary among"?

Yes, "it is customary among" is a grammatically correct phrase used to specify the group for whom a practice is common. For example, "it is customary among lawyers to wear dark suits in court".

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

"It is customary" implies a tradition or established practice, while "it is common" simply means that something happens frequently. The former carries a stronger sense of cultural or historical significance.