prevailing custom

USAGE SUMMARY

"prevailing custom" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe the accepted practices or norms of a society or culture. For example: "As is the prevailing custom in their small town, the couple chose to get married in the local church."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The lords also decided, in accordance with prevailing custom, how the farmwork should be organized.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1852 Zeng Guofan's mother died, and, in accordance with prevailing custom, he asked permission to observe the three-year mourning period at home.

Britannica

As per prevailing custom, he had several wives in addition to Mandodari.

Wikipedia

Throughout their marriage, George I and Olga were a close-knit couple, and contrary to the prevailing custom spent much time with their children, who grew up in a warm family atmosphere.

Wikipedia

In addition, the prevailing custom requiring widows (who may have already been HIV-positive) to marry their husband's brother or closest kinsman may have further accelerated the spread of the infection [ 25].

BMC Public Health

The prevailing custom in the New York courts is for sign language interpreters to work in tandem: one translates the rapid-fire arguments of courtroom life, while the other gets to rest weary hands.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Imperatives of etiquette apply to us simply because prevailing customs single us out as appropriate objects of appraisal by standards of politeness, whether we accept those standards or not.

SEP

Given the variability of socio-demographic and cultural contexts, differentials in perception of vulnerability or risk for newborns, and prevailing customs, traditions and beliefs within communities, it is critically important to understand community-specific patterns and determinants of population-level neonatal care seeking practices, especially for preterm newborns.

BMC Health Services Research

Only when the goods are moved to consumers within the country in which the zone is located do they become subject to the prevailing customs duties.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although carbohydrates may compose as much as 80 percent of the total caloric intake in the human diet, for a given diet, the proportion of starch to total carbohydrate is quite variable, depending upon the prevailing customs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Aside from their being founded by pairs, all were built on fresh ideas that shook the prevailing customs.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prevailing custom", ensure the context clearly indicates which society or group adheres to the custom. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Be specific when referring to a "prevailing custom". Avoid implying it's universally accepted if it's only prevalent within a specific region, culture, or group.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prevailing custom" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition (e.g., "in accordance with the prevailing custom") or as a subject complement. It describes an established practice or norm within a specific context. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in various settings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

24%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

18%

Less common in

Wiki

18%

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prevailing custom" is a useful way to describe widely accepted practices within a group or society. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic writing. The frequency of the phrase is uncommon, so, while the expression is correct, remember to ensure clarity by specifying the group or society to which the "prevailing custom" applies. Alternatives include "common practice" or "established tradition", but choosing the right phrase depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

customary practice

A more formal way of saying "prevailing custom".

common practice

Replaces "prevailing" with "common", focusing on the typicality of the custom.

established tradition

Emphasizes the long-standing nature of the custom.

accepted norm

Highlights the social acceptance aspect of the custom.

current trend

Focuses on the contemporary aspect, implying a custom in vogue.

general rule

Presents the custom as a widely followed guideline.

standard procedure

Frames the custom as a typical way of doing things.

typical behavior

Highlights the customary actions of people.

dominant culture

Wider concept referring to customs of a society.

the order of the day

Emphasizes that something is the norm and common.

FAQs

How can I use "prevailing custom" in a sentence?

You can use "prevailing custom" to describe a practice that is widely accepted or followed in a particular society or group. For example, "In accordance with the "prevailing custom", he offered a gift to his host."

What are some alternatives to "prevailing custom"?

Alternatives to "prevailing custom" include "common practice", "established tradition", or "accepted norm", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "prevailing custom" the same as "tradition"?

While related, "prevailing custom" refers more to the current acceptance and practice, whereas "tradition" emphasizes the historical aspect. A tradition may or may not be the "prevailing custom".

When is it appropriate to use "prevailing custom" in writing?

Use "prevailing custom" when you want to highlight that a particular practice is widely accepted and currently in use within a specific group or society. It is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.