it traditionally was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it traditionally was" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a past state or practice that has been established over time. Example: "In many cultures, it traditionally was believed that the harvest moon brought good fortune to farmers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Despite having little level land, it traditionally was an agricultural country, heavily dependent upon coffee exports.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And the mere mention, by a suspect under arrest, of a powerful narco-trafficker "friend" is apparently less likely to produce a quick release than it traditionally was in Tijuana.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Mine was served on a leaf, as it traditionally is!

Huffington Post

But when it's mixed with camel milk, as it traditionally is, it's even worse.

Vice

Thus, for a long period, it was believed that rice originated where it has traditionally been most diverse [10].

Rice

"It's such a complex industry, and access to it has traditionally been restricted," she says.

The Guardian

It has traditionally been considered a synonym of S. armatus, though more recent studies suggest it is in fact distinct.

Wikipedia

It has traditionally been staunch in the Americans' favour.

The Economist

Because most liquor is consumed by men, it has traditionally been marketed to them.

The New Yorker

Like many unskilled professions, it has traditionally been dominated by immigrants.

The Economist

Kandahār has an international airport, though it has traditionally been used for domestic flights.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it traditionally was", ensure the context clearly indicates a shift from past practices to current ones, highlighting the evolution or change over time.

Common error

Avoid using "it traditionally was" when describing current customs or beliefs. This phrase should only be used when referring to practices that have changed or are no longer common.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it traditionally was" functions as an introductory clause setting the stage for describing a past custom, belief, or state. Ludwig AI indicates that this structure is grammatically sound. Examples show it used to contrast past practices with present ones.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it traditionally was" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce past customs, beliefs, or states. While Ludwig indicates its structure is sound, its usage is relatively rare. It appears most frequently in encyclopedias and news media, serving to provide historical context and contrast past practices with present ones. Alternatives include "it used to be" or "it was historically", depending on the desired nuance. Remember to use this phrase to refer to practices that have changed or are no longer common.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was historically

Replaces "traditionally" with "historically", emphasizing the past nature of the practice.

it used to be

Replaces the entire phrase with a more concise and common way to express a past state.

it had been customary

Replaces "traditionally was" with "had been customary", indicating a long-established practice.

it was formerly

Uses "formerly" instead of "traditionally", suggesting a previous state that is no longer the case.

it had always been

Emphasizes the long-standing nature of the tradition with "had always been".

the custom was

Focuses on the custom itself, rather than "it", simplifying the sentence structure.

the practice was

Similar to "the custom was", but uses "practice" instead of "custom".

it was the norm

Indicates that something was the standard or typical way of doing things.

it was the accepted way

Highlights the acceptance and commonality of a particular method or belief.

it was conventional

Emphasizes the adherence to established conventions or norms.

FAQs

How can I use "it traditionally was" in a sentence?

Use "it traditionally was" to describe a practice, belief, or state that existed in the past but may not be prevalent or accurate today. For example, "it traditionally was believed that the Earth was flat".

What are some alternatives to saying "it traditionally was"?

Alternatives include "it used to be", "it was historically", or "it had been customary", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it traditionally is" instead of "it traditionally was"?

No, "it traditionally is" is grammatically incorrect when referring to past practices. Use "it traditionally was" to indicate something that occurred in the past but may no longer be the case.

What's the difference between "it traditionally was" and "it has traditionally been"?

"It traditionally was" refers to a specific period in the past, while "it has traditionally been" implies a practice that has occurred over a longer, less defined period up to a certain point.