set in their ways

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set in their ways" is a valid part of English speech and writing.
It is used to refer to an individual who's attitudes and beliefs are resistant to change. Example sentence: The senior citizens in the town were all set in their ways, staunchly refusing to accept any sort of change.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Nobody is set in their ways.

The New York Times - Sports

They're set in their ways, really".

The New Yorker

Everyone knows that older people are "set in their ways".

The New York Times

People are often comfortably set in their ways.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Some of them were so set in their ways".

The New York Times

Above all they're inflexible – set in their ways.

The Guardian - Opinion

But some people are set in their ways".

The New York Times

Especially for older New Yorkers, more set in their ways, the idea can offer considerable allure.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Coaches are fairly set-in-their-ways type people," Bellotti said.

The New York Times - Sports

But in Yorkshire, in a spot of bother, they're so damn-set-in-their-ways that there's no doing anything with them!" Beecham has been much quoted.

Wikipedia

A set-in-their-ways, stick-in-the-mud critic is incapable of being thus moved.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing groups or institutions, use "set in their ways" to suggest resistance to modernization or new ideas. For example, "The old guard in the company was too "set in their ways" to embrace new technologies."

Common error

Avoid using "set in their ways" to stereotype entire groups, especially based on age. Instead, focus on specific behaviors or attitudes. For example, rather than saying "Older people are "set in their ways"", specify "Some senior staff members are resistant to adopting new software."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set in their ways" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe someone or something that is resistant to change or unwilling to adopt new methods or ideas. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is valid.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

14%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set in their ways" is a commonly used expression that describes someone or something resistant to change. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that it functions as an adjective phrase, often carrying a slightly critical tone, and is most frequently found in News & Media. To avoid misinterpretations, it's best practice to use this phrase with specific examples rather than generalizing about entire groups. Alternatives such as "resistant to change" or "inflexible" can offer a slightly different nuance depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resistant to change

Focuses on the opposition to change rather than the established habits.

inflexible

Highlights the lack of adaptability.

rigid in their thinking

Emphasizes the unyielding nature of their thought processes.

stuck in a rut

Suggests a repetitive and unchanging pattern of behavior.

conventional

Implies adherence to traditional norms and a lack of innovation.

hidebound

Highlights being constrained by tradition and outdated practices.

dogmatic

Emphasizes the unwavering adherence to beliefs without considering other perspectives.

entrenched in their beliefs

Focuses on how deeply rooted their beliefs are.

conservative

Suggests a preference for maintaining the status quo and avoiding risks.

traditionalist

Emphasizes a strong adherence to traditional values and practices.

FAQs

How can I use "set in their ways" in a sentence?

You can use "set in their ways" to describe someone or something that is resistant to change. For example, "My grandfather is very "set in their ways" and refuses to use a smartphone."

What are some alternatives to "set in their ways"?

Alternatives to "set in their ways" include "resistant to change", "inflexible", or "rigid in their thinking". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always negative to be "set in their ways"?

While often used negatively to describe resistance to progress, being "set in their ways" can also imply stability and adherence to valued traditions. The connotation depends on the situation.

What's the difference between "set in their ways" and "traditional"?

"Traditional" generally describes adherence to customs or beliefs, while "set in their ways" implies a resistance to change or new ideas. Someone can be traditional without being resistant to all change.