the customs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the customs" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to the practices, behaviors, or traditions that are commonly observed or accepted by a particular society or group of people. Example: "In some cultures, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering a house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

He runs the customs.

The Economist

The customs man snorted.

The New Yorker

The dogs also work the customs channels.

Independent

"So," said the customs officer amiably.

The New York Times

President Trump pointed at the customs agents.

The New Yorker

They seemed to find the customs quaint.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

I handed the [customs agent] my passport.

Los Angeles Times

The Customs Service's experience is illustrative.

The New York Times

Kinsey took the Customs Bureau to court.

The New York Times - Books

The Customs House was an appropriate setting.

The New York Times

The Customs House is a strong, searing and sad book.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "the customs", ensure you provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity. Specify which group or society's customs you are referring to.

Common error

Avoid making generalizations about "the customs" of an entire nation or ethnic group. Recognize that customs can vary significantly within these broader categories and showing respect is essential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the customs" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to established practices, traditions, and behaviors within a particular group or society. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it often appears as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

23%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the customs" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to established practices and traditions within a particular group or society. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Encyclopedias. When using this phrase, consider specifying which group's customs you're referring to, and remember customs regulations refer to the rules governing import and export. Alternatives like "traditional practices" or "cultural norms" can be employed for variety. It is crucial to avoid cultural generalizations when discussing customs to promote sensitivity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

customs regulations

Focuses specifically on the rules and laws governing customs procedures.

traditional practices

Emphasizes the long-standing nature of the customs.

cultural norms

Highlights the societal acceptance and prevalence of the customs.

accepted behaviors

Focuses on actions considered appropriate within a given culture.

prevailing traditions

Stresses the widespread and current nature of the customs.

established conventions

Highlights the formal or agreed-upon nature of the customs.

social mores

Implies deeper moral or ethical significance within the customs.

the way of life

Broadens the scope to encompass all aspects of daily existence.

import duties

Refers specifically to taxes imposed on imported goods by customs authorities.

border controls

Refers specifically to the enforcement activities carried out by customs agencies.

FAQs

How can I use "the customs" in a sentence?

You can use "the customs" to refer to traditional practices or accepted behaviors within a specific group or society. For example, "They seemed to find "the customs" quaint."

What are some synonyms for "the customs"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "the customs" include "traditional practices", "cultural norms", or "accepted behaviors".

Is it always necessary to specify which customs I'm referring to?

While not always mandatory, specifying the group or society whose customs you are discussing provides crucial context and avoids potential misunderstandings.

What is the difference between "the customs" and "customs regulations"?

"The customs" refers to the general traditions and practices of a group, while "customs regulations" specifically denotes the rules and laws governing import and export of goods.