long-standing habit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long-standing habit" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It means a behavior or action that has been a consistent part of one's routine or behavior for a long period of time. Example: Sarah's long-standing habit of going for a morning run has helped her stay fit and energized for the past 10 years.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Tensions have remained high, with both countries maintaining their long-standing habit of trading inflammatory accusations.

The Economist

Looking for something new is a long-standing habit of Kate's.

The New York Times - Books

But Hull have a long-standing habit of doing terribly in their final game of any season.

The Guardian - Sport

PURPOSE: To describe a patient whose "normal tension glaucoma" appears to have been produced by a long-standing habit of repetitive, bilateral eye rubbing.

American Journal of Ophthalmology

His tough line on North Korea, which admitted last year to a long-standing habit of abducting Japanese nationals, has boosted his reputation.

The Economist

Despite the split in venues and Ms. Rosler's long-standing habit of dividing her energies among several media at once, the show is of a piece.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

At the same time, some men resent the fact that they now have to be aware of long-standing habits that might prove to be more controversial now.

The Washington Post

This may take a little practice to reduce the long standing habit.

WikiHow

Bear in mind that phone obsession is a long standing habit.

WikiHow

Eisenberg plays Eli, college-age son of Penny Melissa Leoo), who has a long-standing drug habit.

Huffington Post

Complaining about press coverage is a long-standing presidential habit, but no American president has ever so blatantly attacked the press and so directly challenged the First Amendment to the Constitution.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "long-standing habit" to describe patterns of behavior that have been consistent over a significant period. This emphasizes the deeply ingrained nature of the habit.

Common error

Avoid using "long-standing habit" to describe mere preferences or tastes. A habit implies a more ingrained, often unconscious, pattern of behavior, not just a liking for something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long-standing habit" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "long-standing" modifies the noun "habit". It describes something that has been a consistent part of someone's routine or behavior for a considerable period. Ludwig indicates the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "long-standing habit" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an established behavior or practice, as confirmed by Ludwig. It’s used to emphasize the consistent nature of the habit over time. Primarily found in News & Media, but also Science and Encyclopedias, this phrase functions as a noun phrase where "long-standing" modifies "habit". While the phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it is more accurate when referring to ingrained behaviors rather than mere preferences. Consider alternatives like "long-established practice" or "deep-rooted tendency" to adjust the emphasis on routine, social acceptance, or ingrained nature of the behavior.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long-established practice

Replaces 'habit' with 'practice', emphasizing the routine aspect.

long-term behavior

Substitutes 'habit' with 'behavior', focusing on actions over time.

deep-rooted tendency

Uses 'tendency' instead of 'habit', highlighting inclination.

ingrained behavior

Focuses on the deeply embedded nature of the behavior.

long-held custom

Replaces 'habit' with 'custom', suggesting a socially accepted practice.

established pattern

Emphasizes the repetitive nature of the behavior.

enduring tradition

Highlights the longevity and cultural aspect of the practice.

time-honored practice

Emphasizes the respect and value associated with the practice.

sustained behavior

Highlights continuation of the behaviour over an extended duration.

perpetual inclination

Highlights continuation of inclination with behaviour

FAQs

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

You can use "long-standing habit" to describe a behavior or action that someone has been doing for a long time. For example, "His "long-standing habit" of checking the news first thing in the morning helped him stay informed."

What can I say instead of "long-standing habit"?

You can use alternatives like "long-established practice", "deep-rooted tendency", or "ingrained behavior" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "long-standing habit" in formal writing?

Yes, "long-standing habit" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to describe an established behavior.

What is the difference between "long-standing habit" and "long-term goal"?

"Long-standing habit" refers to a repeated behavior, while "long-term goal" refers to an objective one aims to achieve over time. They describe different aspects of behavior and intent.