it was traditionally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was traditionally" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing customs, practices, or beliefs that have been established over time. Example: "In many cultures, it was traditionally believed that the harvest moon brought good fortune to farmers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The power of Calakmul extended as far as the north shore of Lake Petén Itzá, where Motul de San José is recorded as its vassal in the 7th century, although it was traditionally aligned with Tikal.

Wikipedia

In addition, its biomedical properties have also been investigated because it was traditionally known as a medicinal plant.

DNA Research

Before the summer of 2007, it was traditionally zero.

The New York Times

It was traditionally a place of panting pride, sweaty hugs and exhausted relief.

The New York Times

Under Mr Modi the BJP has found new support in places where it was traditionally shunned.

The Economist

All over the world, the attitude toward casinos is different from what it was traditionally".

The New York Times

It was traditionally dismissed by investors as a country of high inflation and repeated devaluations.

The Economist

It was traditionally held during the Eastern States Regional over Memorial Day weekend.

The New York Times

It was traditionally made of heavy cream-coloured wool decorated with brightly coloured stripes or embroidery.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was traditionally consigned to hedgerows, protecting more valuable, edible crops from peckish goats.

The Economist

While mostly interested in sex and scandals, it was traditionally a Tory paper.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was traditionally" to clearly indicate that a practice, belief, or method was common in the past but may no longer be so. This helps avoid confusion about current practices.

Common error

Avoid using "it was traditionally" when the practice or belief is still current. Ensure the context clearly indicates that the tradition has changed or is no longer dominant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was traditionally" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that something occurred or was done according to custom or tradition in the past. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

26%

Encyclopedias

23%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was traditionally" is a common phrase used to describe past customs, practices, or beliefs, often contrasting them with the present. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and finds frequent use across diverse sources, including news, science, and encyclopedias. The usage is neutrally toned. Consider alternatives like "it had been customary" or "it was historically" for variations in emphasis. Remember to ensure that the described tradition is indeed something that has changed or is no longer dominant to prevent miscommunication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it had been customary

Replaces "was" with "had been", emphasizing a past custom continuing for a period of time.

it was historically

Replaces "traditionally" with "historically", focusing on historical accuracy and factual basis.

it was formerly

Indicates something was true in the past but no longer is.

it used to be

A more informal way of expressing a past custom or state.

it was the custom

Highlights the existence of a custom or practice.

it had always been

Emphasizes the long-standing nature of a tradition.

it was the tradition

Focuses on the tradition aspect, highlighting adherence to established norms.

it was the established practice

Replaces "traditionally" with "established practice" to denote accepted procedure.

it was a time-honored custom

Suggests a tradition that is respected and has existed for a long time.

it was an age-old practice

Indicates an ancient and well-established practice.

FAQs

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

Use "it was traditionally" to describe past practices, customs, or beliefs that are no longer necessarily current. For example, "It was traditionally believed that the world was flat."

What's a formal alternative to "it was traditionally"?

More formal alternatives include "it was historically" or "it had been customary", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was traditionally" the same as "it is traditionally"?

No, "it was traditionally" refers to a past practice, while "it is traditionally" indicates a current practice rooted in tradition. Use "it was traditionally" to describe something that has changed over time.

When should I avoid using "it was traditionally"?

Avoid using "it was traditionally" if the practice is still current or if you want to emphasize the ongoing nature of a tradition. In such cases, use phrases like "it is traditionally" or "it is customarily".