past practice

USAGE SUMMARY

"past practice" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in a variety of contexts to refer to previously established habits, customs, or traditions. For example: "We need to find a way to innovate on this project, despite the constraints imposed by past practice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Past practice also points the way.

The New York Times

That would be departures from past practice.

The New York Times

But that past practice continues to cast a shadow.

The Guardian

Past practice did not for example properly recognise that sectoral demands could be competitive.

Developments in Water Science

It documents research which has begun with an analysis and critique of past practice.

Journal of English for Academic Purposes

In a break with past practice the name was chosen by the parents, not the emperor.

The New York Times

As a result, soccer officials have followed past practice, interpreting the lease in its broadest terms.

The New York Times

The county's past practice has been not to invest in itself.

The New York Times

In waiving claims of privilege today, Mr. Clinton departed from his past practice concerning pardons.

The New York Times

But each element reflects a feasible past practice in Australian asylum policy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Morris has also been consistent with his past practice, maintaining a low profile.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "past practice" to provide context or justification for current actions or decisions. For example, "In accordance with past practice, we will continue to offer flexible work arrangements."

Common error

Avoid assuming that everyone is familiar with the "past practice" you are referencing. Provide sufficient context or explanation, especially when communicating with new team members or external stakeholders.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "past practice" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig examples show it being used to describe previously established methods, customs, or behaviors, indicating a reference to historical or conventional approaches. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

31%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "past practice" is a noun phrase widely used to denote previously established customs, habits, or procedures. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable across various contexts. Its frequency is considered "very common", appearing most often in news, science, and academic texts. The phrase serves to provide context or justification for current actions, either by aligning with or diverging from previous methods. While "past practice" is generally neutral to formal, it's crucial to ensure that the audience understands the specific practice being referenced. Consider alternatives like "established procedure" or "customary method" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

established procedure

Focuses on the formal, documented nature of the practice.

customary method

Emphasizes the traditional and widely accepted nature of the practice.

traditional approach

Highlights the historical aspect and longevity of the practice.

conventional way

Stresses the adherence to accepted norms and standards.

previous norm

Underscores that the norm existed at some point in time.

historical precedent

Highlights the existence of prior events justifying current actions.

common routine

Emphasizes the day-to-day and habitual nature of the practice.

accepted standard

Highlights a rule or belief that is agreed upon.

long-standing tradition

Refers to a custom or belief that has been passed down over time.

usual manner

Focuses on something that is normal and expected.

FAQs

How can I use "past practice" in a sentence?

You can use "past practice" to refer to a previously established custom, habit, or way of doing things. For example, "The new policy is a departure from "past practice"."

What's a good alternative to "past practice"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "established procedure", "customary method", or "traditional approach".

Is it appropriate to challenge a "past practice"?

Yes, it's often necessary to challenge "past practice" if it's no longer effective or aligned with current goals. Innovation often requires questioning established norms.

What's the difference between "past practice" and "best practice"?

"Past practice" refers to what has been done before, while "best practice" refers to the most effective or recommended method, regardless of whether it has been used before.