long-held practice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long-held practice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a tradition or method that has been maintained for a significant period of time. Example: "The long-held practice of celebrating the harvest festival brings the community together every year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

She said accreditation tampering was a long-held practice at Olympic Games by Australians and athletes from other countries.

The Guardian - Sport

I know this is a long-held practice in many businesses, but is it ethical for me and the person I hire?

The New York Times - Magazine

Rather than cast doubt on their own judgment by announcing that a long-held practice has ended in humiliation, regulators are tempted to hang on just a little bit longer.Who dares, winsIn a fight, the regulators have the legal power.

The Economist

A Federal District Court judge ruled that Fox Searchlight Pictures had violated wage laws by not paying the interns, a case that could upend a long-held practice of the film industry and other businesses.

The New York Times

China will start phasing out its long-held practice of using the organs of executed prisoners for transplant operations in November, a senior official said Thursday, as it pushes to mandate the use of organs from ethical sources in hospitals.

The New York Times

The London Evening Standard is to break with its long-held practice of not publishing on bank holidays in order to be the first in print with pictures of the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Outsiders can bring fresh skills and ideas, along with a healthy skepticism about long-held practices.

The New York Times

In other cases, the technological improvements have sped up, and streamlined, long-held practices.

The New York Times

For officials at SUNY and CUNY, Mr. Paterson's willingness to change long-held practices in how the state uses tuition money has raised hope that the current crisis could provide an opportunity for a more far-reaching change in policy.

The New York Times

Legislators who have criticized the industry, saying it has a perception problem, are considering regulations to end some long-held practices, like paying independent promoters to persuade radio stations to play hits.

The New York Times

It forces, he argues, the judiciary to extend its enforcement powers while at the same time gutting its ability to oversee how they are used.It would be hard to imagine another case that technically was resolved exactly as intended, but in the process provoked a profound reassessment of long-held practices.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "long-held practice", consider whether emphasizing the duration or the adherence to tradition is more relevant to your context. This can help you choose the most impactful phrasing.

Common error

Avoid using "long-held practice" to describe trivial or insignificant habits. This phrase implies a substantial history and importance, so ensure it's warranted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long-held practice" functions as a noun phrase, where "long-held" modifies "practice". It describes a custom, method, or tradition that has been maintained for a considerable time. Ludwig confirms that this is a grammatically correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "long-held practice" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe customs, traditions, or methods that have been maintained over time. As identified by Ludwig, it's frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. When writing, remember to use this phrase when you want to emphasize the historical aspect and significance of the practice. While similar phrases exist, such as "established tradition" or "time-honored tradition", selecting the most suitable one depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long-established custom

A very close synonym, differing only in word order.

traditional practice

A more general term, applicable to any practice rooted in tradition.

established tradition

Emphasizes the traditional aspect, focusing on its formal establishment.

entrenched custom

Highlights the deep-rooted and difficult-to-change nature of the practice.

time-honored tradition

Stresses the respect and value associated with the practice over time.

age-old custom

Focuses on the extreme age and long history of the custom.

historical convention

Highlights the historical aspect and agreement-based nature.

deep-seated habit

Emphasizes the deeply ingrained nature of the practice as a habit.

customary procedure

Highlights the procedural and standard nature of the practice.

ingrained behavior

Focuses on the deeply rooted behavioral aspect of the practice.

FAQs

How can I use "long-held practice" in a sentence?

You can use "long-held practice" to describe traditions, customs, or methods that have been maintained for a significant period. For example, "The company is abandoning its "long-held practice" of awarding stock options".

What can I say instead of "long-held practice"?

You can use alternatives like "established tradition", "time-honored tradition", or "long-established custom" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "long-held tradition"?

While "tradition" inherently implies something of long standing, using "long-held tradition" can emphasize the deep roots and historical significance of the tradition.

What's the difference between "long-held belief" and "long-held practice"?

"Long-held belief" refers to a conviction or opinion maintained for a considerable time, while "long-held practice" refers to a custom or method followed for a significant duration. The former is about what someone believes, and the latter is about what someone does.