maintaining tradition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintaining tradition" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the importance of preserving customs, practices, or beliefs over time. Example: "The festival is a vital part of our community, as it plays a significant role in maintaining tradition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He spoke about the importance of maintaining tradition and culture while not believing in segregation.

The New York Times - Arts

They are devoted to maintaining tradition, yet making such icons as borscht accessible to those whose are two or more generations removed from the shtetl.

The New York Times

And, she added, there is the value of maintaining tradition in a place where the buildings' Art Deco flourishes are as much a staple as the sea and sand.

The New York Times

The video shows her crocheting, which according to the artist, functions as a metaphor "to reconcile the surmounting pressures of maintaining tradition whilst immersed in an Americanized culture".

Vice

Japan is a land built upon ancient traditions, but since its introduction to the Western world, the island nation has adopted an entirely modern persona while maintaining tradition.

Huffington Post

This article originally appeared on VICE ASIA.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

What risks are worth taking for the sake of maintaining traditions and natural production methods?

The New York Times

It is "exploring its place in a new world" in English, while also maintaining traditions in the region's native languages.

The Economist

Thus, while social conformity has been shown to play a major role in maintaining traditions in humans, there is not sufficient animal data to safely expand this finding beyond.

Plosone

Similarly, O'Sullivan et al. (2008) found using meaningful objects handed across generations, and maintaining traditions unique to the family maintained a sense of being a family, within their theme 'food as love'.

Aging and Mental Health

At Catholic schools, the adults are in charge: they maintain tradition and respond quickly to the changing needs of the students.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "maintaining tradition", consider the specific context. Is it about active preservation, passive continuation, or respectful honoring? Choose a synonym that more precisely reflects the intended nuance.

Common error

Traditions are not static; they evolve. Avoid presenting "maintaining tradition" as simply replicating the past. Acknowledge that adaptation and reinterpretation are often necessary for traditions to remain relevant and meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintaining tradition" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It describes the action of keeping customs and beliefs alive. As Ludwig shows, this can apply to various aspects of culture and society.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "maintaining tradition" is a grammatically correct gerund phrase used to describe the ongoing effort to preserve cultural heritage. Although Ludwig shows it's a less frequent expression, its appropriateness depends heavily on context, and related phrases like "preserving tradition" or "upholding tradition" may sometimes be more precise. The phrase is versatile, appearing in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, emphasizing its relevance across diverse fields. Remember that traditions evolve and adaptation is key to true maintenance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preserving tradition

Focuses on keeping the tradition intact and preventing it from being lost or altered.

upholding tradition

Emphasizes actively supporting and defending the tradition against challenges or changes.

conserving tradition

Highlights the careful management and protection of the tradition for future generations.

safeguarding tradition

Stresses the protection of the tradition from harm or extinction.

keeping up tradition

Implies continuing to practice and observe the tradition regularly.

honoring tradition

Focuses on showing respect and reverence for the tradition through its continuation.

continuing tradition

Simply means the tradition is ongoing and uninterrupted.

sustaining tradition

Highlights the effort to provide the necessary support for the tradition to survive.

fostering tradition

Implies actively promoting and encouraging the growth and spread of the tradition.

cultivating tradition

Focuses on nurturing and developing the tradition through careful attention and effort.

FAQs

What does "maintaining tradition" mean?

The phrase "maintaining tradition" refers to the act of preserving, continuing, and upholding established customs, beliefs, or practices within a community or culture. It suggests an effort to keep these traditions alive and relevant for future generations.

What are some alternatives to "maintaining tradition"?

Alternatives include "preserving tradition", "upholding tradition", or "honoring tradition", each with slightly different nuances in meaning.

How can I use "maintaining tradition" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "The community is dedicated to maintaining tradition through annual festivals and storytelling."

What is the difference between "maintaining tradition" and "preserving tradition"?

While similar, "maintaining tradition" suggests an ongoing effort to keep something alive, while "preserving tradition" implies protecting it from decay or loss. The best choice depends on the specific context.