sake of tradition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sake of tradition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to actions or practices that are done to honor or maintain traditional customs or beliefs. Example: "We decided to hold the festival every year for the sake of tradition, even though attendance has dwindled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"Just for the sake of tradition".

The New Yorker

Preserving heterosexual marriage for the sake of "tradition" is not valid.

The New York Times

Unlike the Calabrians, who ate the buzzards, the Sicilians shot purely for the sake of tradition, for competition with one another, and for trophies.

The New Yorker

More Mack the Rocker than Mack the Knife, he still grasped — for the sake of tradition, perhaps — his ivory-tipped stick and those killer kid gloves.

The New York Times

For the sake of tradition, it will remain in The Times's design vocabulary in the form of subject labels in a few sections, including sports.

The New York Times

I suppose you could say I could wear one anyway for the sake of tradition of the event, or perhaps because it's a recognisable stereotype that will identify me to the crowd.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Like for example, the practice of mutilation of women's genitalia 140 million African women are living with, for the sake of traditions.

Huffington Post

"For the sake of American tradition, prestige and influence I urge redress for the Rosenbergs".

The Guardian

Everyone's expecting just about positive that Apple will release a new piece of mobile hardware sometime around June/July of this year for the sake of continued tradition, and most of the reasonably believable rumors point at a 3.2 megapixel camera with video support.

TechCrunch

Both men favoured tradition over the radical innovations of the French Revolution, but the traditions they favoured were very different: Burke rejected the revolution for the sake of traditional liberties, Maistre for the sake of traditional authority especially the authority of monarch and church.

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sake of tradition" when you want to emphasize that an action is being done to honor or maintain established customs and beliefs, even if there might not be a strong practical reason for it.

Common error

Avoid using "sake of tradition" as a generic excuse for actions that may be harmful or outdated. Critically evaluate whether the tradition still serves a valuable purpose before blindly adhering to it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sake of tradition" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb or clause. It clarifies the motivation or reason behind an action, indicating that it is performed to honor or maintain established customs. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sake of tradition" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that serves to justify actions based on established customs. Ludwig AI's analysis of various sources reveals that it's most commonly found in news and media contexts, suggesting its role in explaining cultural and historical motivations. While the phrase is generally neutral, it's important to critically evaluate the value and impact of traditions before blindly adhering to them. Consider alternative phrases like "for the sake of custom" or "in deference to tradition" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for the sake of custom

Focuses more directly on established practice, potentially lacking the weight of historical significance.

in deference to tradition

Highlights respect and submission to traditional norms.

out of respect for tradition

Emphasizes the feeling of reverence towards established practices.

to uphold tradition

Implies a proactive effort to preserve and continue established customs.

to honor tradition

Focuses on showing respect and reverence for long-standing practices.

for traditional reasons

A more direct and less nuanced way of stating the motivation behind an action.

because of tradition

Offers a simple explanation rooted in established practice, lacking the nuance of 'sake'.

as a matter of tradition

Indicates that something is done because it is a customary practice.

in keeping with tradition

Suggests alignment and adherence to established customs.

following tradition

Simple term for behaving or acting in line with what has always been done

FAQs

How can I use "sake of tradition" in a sentence?

You can use "sake of tradition" to explain why something is done, even if it seems impractical or unnecessary. For example: "We still send holiday cards for the "sake of tradition", even though it's easier to email."

What's a more formal alternative to "sake of tradition"?

A more formal alternative could be "in deference to tradition" or "out of respect for tradition". These phrases emphasize the importance of honoring established customs.

Is it always good to do something for the "sake of tradition"?

Not necessarily. While honoring traditions can be valuable, it's important to critically evaluate whether the tradition is still relevant or beneficial. Blindly following traditions can sometimes lead to negative consequences. Is it more ethical/correct/better to do something for the "sake of tradition", or should one look at it from other perspectives.

What is the difference between ""sake of tradition"" and "because of tradition"?

"Sake of tradition" implies a conscious decision to uphold a custom, while "because of tradition" simply states that tradition is the cause or reason. The first shows more determination to pursue the tradition, no matter what.