long-standing custom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long-standing custom" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a repeatedly practiced behavior that is traditionally accepted as an unwritten "rule". Example Sentence: Attending church on Sunday is a long-standing custom among many devout Christians.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

(Remember the black kid who touched Obama's hair to see if it felt like his?) I'd like to attribute this familiarity to my relative overconsumption of the news, and to my short tenure as a junior staffer at the White House, where, by long-standing custom, Presidential photos hang on most of the walls.

The New Yorker

"It is our long-standing custom to invite the U.S. president to the National Jamboree".

Huffington Post

Lyttelton, who was soon appointed Governor of Jamaica, requested assistance from Dobbs, but North Carolina's militia could not be convinced to serve outside of its home province due to long-standing custom.

Wikipedia

Garment factory jobs have begun to undercut this long-standing custom, as parents — sometimes the daughters also speak up for themselves — challenge how much, if any, dowry is required when the bride-to-be earns a steady salary.

Los Angeles Times

Along with various gameplay tweaks, the update moves the game to the Source engine version used with The Orange Box, allowing the game to utilise particle effects, as well as adding a new official map based on a long-standing custom map for Day of Defeat and 54 achievement awards for players completing certain tasks.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Given long-standing customs of subordination, the traditional disparity of power, and the typical difference in size and strength between men and women, the threat of physical harm and the differential exercise of economic and political power are sufficient to maintain male dominance unless the law intercedes to counteract these forces (Husseini 2007; Manderson 2003; Schneider 2000; Rhode 1997).

SEP

Such climate-related changes in long-standing customs and ways of living ultimately lead to stress, mental disorders and suicides.

Global Health Action

Interviews an artist called Yoyo, who paints pictures on the roofs and sides of public buses, a long-standing Panamanian custom.

The New Yorker

Most people contributed to funeral expenses, a long-standing local custom.

AIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV

Magna Carta, it was argued, recognised and protected the liberty of individual Englishmen, made the king subject to the common law of the land, formed the origin of the trial by jury system, and acknowledged the ancient origins of Parliament: because of Magna Carta and this ancient constitution, an English monarch was unable to alter these long-standing English customs.

Wikipedia

This is a long-standing Wall Street custom.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "long-standing custom", ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific duration and relevance of the custom being referenced. This adds clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "long-standing custom" to describe fleeting trends or recent habits. The phrase implies a significant history and widespread acceptance, so its misuse can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long-standing custom" functions as a noun modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, that describes a noun by indicating that it is a tradition or practice that has been in place for a significant period. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "long-standing custom" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a noun modifier, typically describing practices or traditions that have been established over a considerable period. While relatively rare in occurrence, the phrase appears across diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and academic writing. To use it effectively, ensure that the context aligns with the phrase's implication of significant history and acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

customary practice

Highlights that is a practice according to the customs or usual way of doing things.

long-established norm

Highlights that it is a well established and has been around for a long time.

traditional practice

Highlights that the practice follows traditions.

established tradition

Emphasizes the traditional aspect and its acceptance over time.

time-honored practice

Highlights the respect and value associated with the practice through time.

ingrained tradition

Emphasizes how it has been deeply embedded or fixed firmly.

age-old convention

Stresses the great age and established nature of the convention.

entrenched habit

Emphasizes that it is firmly established and difficult to change.

deep-rooted habit

Focuses on the ingrained and difficult-to-change nature of the habit.

historical norm

Highlights that it's a normal behavior during a certain historical period.

FAQs

How can I use "long-standing custom" in a sentence?

You can use "long-standing custom" to refer to traditions or practices that have been in place for a significant period, such as, "It is a "long-standing custom" to invite the U.S. president to the National Jamboree".

What are some alternatives to "long-standing custom"?

Alternatives include "established tradition", "time-honored practice", or "age-old convention", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "long-standing custom" and "long-standing tradition"?

While similar, "custom" refers more to a habitual practice, whereas "tradition" implies a belief or behavior passed down through generations. A "long-standing tradition" often carries deeper cultural or historical significance than a "long-standing custom".

Is it correct to say "long-standing custom" or should it be "long-held custom"?

"Long-standing custom" is the more common and generally preferred phrasing. "Long-held custom" is less frequently used and might imply that the custom is personally cherished rather than widely practiced.