the usual custom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the usual custom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a practice or tradition that is commonly accepted or followed in a particular context or culture. Example: "In our office, the usual custom is to celebrate birthdays with a small gathering and cake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

That's a reversal of the usual custom in Philadelphia.

University of Pennsylvania

When it comes to ice cream, the usual custom is "two tries then buy".

The New York Times

"Unfortunately it's the usual custom in Turkmenistan," said Mr. Yklymov, 50, who fled in 1994 and was granted political asylum in Sweden three years later.

The New York Times

Had the venerable but fusty house of Sonia Rykiel followed the usual custom of distributing the bags as gifts to influential people?

The New York Times - Style

Samuel Gompers, who was president of the American Federation of Labor and a leading figure of the anti-tipping movement, admitted that he "followed the usual custom of giving tips".

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Haass's statement departed from the usual custom in the politics of Northern Ireland of avoiding assigning responsibility for breakdowns in peace negotiations to one side or the other.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Margot Duke, the Dowager Marchioness of Reading, was an unconventional and feisty woman who defied the usual customs and habits of the aristocracy.

Independent

From the deck, leaning over the rail with the other passengers, I see the dock, the usual cranes, the usual piles of crates and packages, the usual loafers who look like policemen and customs officers and the usual customs officers and policemen who look like loafers.

The New York Times

Yes, the billionaire CEO of Wynn Resorts has serious jet lag emerging from his office in Macao 90 minutes after he flew in from Las Vegas, he greets me in rumpled jeans instead of the usual custom-tailored suit but he’s energized by news that his quartet of Qing dynasty vases have arrived safely.

Forbes

Overall, there was a lot to like: The show's pace was crisp and energetic, and to its credit, "The 100" kept on surprising me in its willingness to take risks and flout the usual customs of teen-oriented dramas.

Huffington Post

Stick with the usual customs of your workplace; if people are generally friendly and effusive, say as much as you want.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the usual custom" when you want to refer to a practice that is generally accepted and followed within a specific group, community, or context. Ensure the context is clear to your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "the usual custom" without establishing what "usual" refers to. Without context, the reader won't understand the custom's applicability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the usual custom" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a commonly accepted practice or tradition. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

21%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"The usual custom" is a phrase that denotes a commonly accepted practice or tradition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile, it appears most frequently in news and academic contexts. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the context makes clear to what or where the custom is applicable. Related phrases, such as "the standard practice" or "the common tradition", can be used to subtly alter the meaning. Its use allows a writer to invoke a shared understanding or expectation, and Ludwig’s examples provide a robust basis for using the phrase confidently.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the standard practice

Replaces "custom" with "practice", focusing on established procedures.

the typical procedure

Substitutes "custom" with "procedure", emphasizing a set way of doing things.

the common tradition

Emphasizes the aspect of "custom" as a long-standing cultural element.

the established norm

Highlights the idea of "custom" as a standard or expected behavior.

the accepted convention

Focuses on the agreed-upon nature of the "custom".

the prevailing habit

Replaces "custom" with "habit", suggesting a frequent, almost automatic behavior.

the regular way

Simplifies the expression to emphasize the routine aspect of the "custom".

the normal course of action

Formal alternative, highlighting the expected sequence of events.

the ordinary manner

Similar to "regular way" but slightly more formal.

the wonted manner

A more archaic and formal way of saying "usual custom".

FAQs

How can I use "the usual custom" in a sentence?

You can use "the usual custom" to describe a common or accepted practice. For example, "In our office, "the usual custom" is to celebrate birthdays with cake."

What are some alternatives to "the usual custom"?

Alternatives include "the standard practice", "the common tradition", or "the accepted convention" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "the usual custom" formal or informal?

"The usual custom" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferable in certain professional settings.

What's the difference between "the usual custom" and "the norm"?

"The usual custom" refers to a specific practice or tradition, while "the norm" describes a broader standard of behavior or expectation. "The usual custom" is more specific.