prevailing customs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prevailing customs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the dominant or most common practices or traditions within a particular culture or society. Example: "In many societies, prevailing customs dictate how people celebrate holidays and significant life events."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 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

And since some of those locally prevailing customs may require helping others, some of the ultimate desires produced by that psychological mechanism might well be psychologically altruistic.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 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.

Encyclopedia 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing cultural or societal norms, use "prevailing customs" to accurately reflect widely accepted behaviors and traditions. Ensure clarity by providing specific examples of these customs within the context.

Common error

Avoid using "prevailing customs" to describe individual tastes or choices. This phrase should be reserved for widely accepted social behaviors, not personal inclinations. For instance, it's incorrect to say, "His prevailing custom is to drink tea every morning" unless this is a widespread habit in his culture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prevailing customs" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the dominant or commonly accepted practices within a particular society or culture. Ludwig AI confirms its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prevailing customs" is a noun phrase that refers to the dominant practices and traditions within a society. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and usable across various contexts, although it appears more frequently in academic and formal settings. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects widely accepted social behaviors rather than personal preferences. Alternatives such as "common practices" or "established norms" can be used depending on the specific context. Being aware of these nuances helps writers to accurately and effectively communicate cultural and societal norms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common practices

Focuses on the habitual aspect, emphasizing widely performed actions.

established norms

Highlights the regulatory and standardized nature of the practices.

accepted traditions

Emphasizes the historical and cultural acceptance of these practices.

dominant conventions

Stresses the widespread and influential nature of these customs.

current standards

Focuses on the contemporary and accepted levels of behavior.

popular habits

Highlights the widely adopted behaviors within a population.

general etiquette

Refers specifically to social behaviors and manners that are commonly observed.

standard procedures

Emphasizes formalized and widely recognized ways of doing things.

traditional ways

Focuses on long-standing practices passed down through generations.

social mores

Highlights deeply ingrained moral norms that dictate social behavior.

FAQs

How can I appropriately use "prevailing customs" in a sentence?

Use "prevailing customs" to describe widely accepted social behaviors or traditions within a specific culture or society. For example, "The success of the initiative hinged on understanding the "local traditions" and "accepted norms"."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "prevailing customs"?

Alternatives include phrases like "common practices", "established norms", or "accepted traditions", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "prevailing customs" when discussing personal habits?

No, "prevailing customs" should be reserved for describing widely accepted social behaviors or traditions, not individual routines or preferences.

How do "prevailing customs" differ from laws?

"Prevailing customs" are unwritten social norms and behaviors, whereas laws are formal rules enforced by a governing authority. Customs are often informal and culturally specific, while laws are codified and apply universally within a jurisdiction. "Social conventions" are good examples of the former.