time-honored practice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time-honored practice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a tradition or method that has been respected and followed for a long time. Example: "The time-honored practice of storytelling has been passed down through generations in many cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

"It's a time-honored practice," Mr. McCain said.

The New York Times

Translating librettos is a time-honored practice that takes enormous skill.

The New York Times - Arts

Complaining about officiating is a time-honored practice in the N.B.A.

The New York Times - Sports

In many kitchens, there's a time-honored practice called "save for well-done".

The New Yorker

The time-honored practice of tax avoidance is also an invitation to abuse.

The New York Times

In Osaka, a city built by merchants, haggling over prices was a time-honored practice.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

And, like Mr. Engles, Mr. Hanman went against the time-honored practices of his trade.

The New York Times

Washing our hands and cleaning counter space are still time-honored practices.

The New York Times

Similarly, in 1986, Mr. Fischler, as president of the Antwerp Diamond Bourse, defended the industry's time-honored practices of secrecy and sealing a deal with a handshake.

The New York Times

Time-honored practices often start by happenstance and blossom into historical permanence without warning: one winter solstice, a druid drags a bush into his hut; 2,000 years later, Wal-Mart is selling flame-retardant plastic pines.

The New York Times - Travel

One particular scene is a riotous screaming fight in which the couple pose as representatives of their genders, engaging in the time-honored practices (slamming doors, breaking dishes) and invoking time-honored images to hurl at each other: Harold says, "This is why men drive naked women into a pit with bayonets".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time-honored practice" when you want to convey that a custom or method has significant historical value and is widely respected. For instance, "The "time-honored practice" of apprenticeship ensures the preservation of traditional skills."

Common error

While "time-honored practice" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler terms like "tradition" or "custom" might be more appropriate. Overusing it can sound pretentious. Use it when highlighting the historical respect for something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time-honored practice" functions as an attributive adjective modifying the noun "practice." It describes the practice, emphasizing its historical significance and the respect it has garnered over time. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

14%

Arts

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "time-honored practice" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a custom or method that has been respected and followed for a long time. As Ludwig AI indicates, it frequently appears in news and media, as well as scientific and artistic contexts. While generally acceptable, be mindful of overuse in informal settings where simpler terms might be more suitable. Alternatives include "traditional custom", "established tradition", and "venerable practice". Using "time-honored practice" effectively involves recognizing its formal tone and employing it when emphasizing the historical value and respect associated with a particular practice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

venerable practice

Highlights the respect and esteem the practice commands.

established tradition

Emphasizes the tradition aspect and its firm establishment.

age-old tradition

Stresses the great age and historical depth of the tradition.

time-tested method

Emphasizes that the method has proven effective over time.

traditional custom

Focuses more on the customary aspect rather than the respect or value associated with it.

historic custom

Focuses on the historical significance of the custom.

long-standing custom

Highlights the duration for which the custom has been in place.

customary approach

Focuses on the common and habitual nature of the approach.

entrenched habit

Highlights how deeply rooted the habit is.

conventional procedure

Highlights the adherence to accepted norms and standards.

FAQs

What does "time-honored practice" mean?

A "time-honored practice" is a custom, tradition, or method that has been respected and followed for a long period. It implies that the practice has stood the test of time and is valued within a community or culture.

How can I use "time-honored practice" in a sentence?

You might say, "In many cultures, the "time-honored practice" of storytelling is used to pass down history and traditions." or "The university maintains the "time-honored practice" of holding an annual graduation ceremony."

What can I say instead of "time-honored practice"?

You can use alternatives like "traditional custom", "established tradition", or "venerable practice" depending on the context.

Is "time-honored tradition" redundant to "time-honored practice"?

While both convey a sense of history and respect, "time-honored tradition" emphasizes the aspect of passing down beliefs or customs, whereas "time-honored practice" refers more broadly to methods or ways of doing things that have been in place for a long time.