it is my custom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is my custom" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a habitual practice or tradition that you follow in a particular context. Example: "When attending formal events, it is my custom to wear a suit and tie."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is my custom when on a trip to put half a dozen copies of my principal book in my bag and lend them casually to the most intelligent-looking of my fellow-passengers in the hope that the book may thereby be brought to the attention of some new group of readers.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

After each, it was my custom to interview participants.

BBC

In the summer months, as students depart and the school grows quiet, it's my custom to visit Duke sites away from campus.

Duke University

It's novel, and relaxing enough, I guess, though it's my custom to read in the bath, and from the depths of the tub I can't reach Svejk.

Forbes

Every year, as Passover and Easter approach, it's my custom, honor and joy to wish Passover and Easter blessings to all my Jewish and Christian readers.

Los Angeles Times

It was my custom at the time to write a quick note of appreciation to our guests who very occasionally replied.

Huffington Post

"It is my invariable custom to say something flattering to begin with so that I shall be excused if by any chance I put my foot in it later on".

Independent

"It has been my custom to welcome artists to my home as my honored guests".

The New York Times

I only wear silver, so it's my Cast of Vices ring, my custom herringbone or Cuban link chain (I switch between the two), Cartier bracelets (which are white gold) and rings and a wallet chain by the Great Frog.

The New York Times

Nelson Mandela lived a hell of a 95 years... Viva Mandela! "It is never my custom to use words lightly.

Huffington Post

"It's taking my custom".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is my custom" to express a formal or traditional habit. Consider the audience and context, as it might sound stilted in casual conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "it is my custom" in informal settings. Instead, opt for simpler alternatives like "I usually" or "I tend to" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is my custom" functions as an introductory clause, setting the stage for describing a habitual or typical action. It indicates a practice or routine that the speaker regularly follows, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

19%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is my custom" is a grammatically correct and understandable expression used to describe a personal habit or established practice. Though considered somewhat formal, according to Ludwig it is acceptable to use in various contexts, particularly in writing. While not as common as simpler alternatives such as "I usually" or "I tend to", "it is my custom" can add a touch of tradition or formality to your writing, emphasizing a consistent and deliberate behavior. When in doubt, consider your audience and the overall tone you want to convey to ensure it aligns with the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is my habit

Replaces 'custom' with 'habit', indicating a regular tendency or practice.

it is my practice

Substitutes 'custom' with 'practice', highlighting a method or procedure regularly followed.

i am in the habit of

Similar to 'it is my habit', emphasizing an established routine.

i have a habit of

Similar to 'it is my habit', but more direct.

i make it a point to

Expresses a deliberate effort to do something regularly.

i usually

A simple and direct way to express a common practice.

i tend to

Indicates a common or usual behavior.

it's typical for me to

Highlights that something is characteristic of one's behavior.

i generally

Indicates a usual or common action.

i am wont to

An archaic alternative, meaning 'accustomed to'.

FAQs

What does "it is my custom" mean?

The phrase "it is my custom" means that something is a habit or usual practice for the speaker. It suggests a traditional or formal way of doing things.

How can I use "it is my custom" in a sentence?

You can use "it is my custom" to describe a regular behavior. For example, "It is my custom to have tea in the afternoon" or "It is my custom to read before bed."

What can I say instead of "it is my custom"?

Alternatives to "it is my custom" include phrases like "it is my habit", "I usually", or "I tend to", depending on the context.

Is "it is my custom" formal or informal?

"It is my custom" is generally considered a formal phrase. In more casual settings, using phrases like "I usually" or "I tend to" may be more appropriate.