time-honored tradition

USAGE SUMMARY

"time-honored tradition" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a long-standing custom or practice that is or was widely accepted or popular. For example: "The art of quilting is a time-honored tradition that has been passed down for generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pork barrel projects are a time-honored tradition in Washington.

The New York Times

But those crimes are part of a time-honored tradition.

The New York Times - Books

Its style is a time-honored tradition, taught to this day in the club's academy.

The New York Times

"The state of our union is getting stronger," he declared in time-honored tradition.

The New York Times

Caricature, the exaggeration of physical features, is a time-honored tradition of political cartooning.

The New York Times

"It's a time-honored tradition — blame the nurse whenever anything goes wrong".

The New York Times

So who in her right mind would mess with such a time-honored tradition?

The New York Times - Arts

Actors turning to writing is a time-honored tradition, of course.

The New York Times

The doctor knelt at the bedside to perform the time-honored tradition of percussing the heart.

The New York Times - Science

Chodorow was writing in a time-honored tradition, the literary equivalent of sending black roses.

The New Yorker

The appropriation of pop images is by now a time-honored tradition.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time-honored tradition" to add gravitas and a sense of historical continuity to your writing. It's especially effective when discussing cultural practices, institutional norms, or long-standing customs.

Common error

Avoid using "time-honored tradition" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound cliché and less impactful. Opt for more specific and descriptive language when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time-honored tradition" functions as a noun phrase, where "time-honored" acts as an adjective modifying "tradition". It identifies and characterizes a particular kind of tradition, emphasizing its historical depth and continued relevance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "time-honored tradition" is a widely used and grammatically correct expression that refers to a long-standing custom or practice, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media, formal business contexts, and to a lesser extent in scientific publications, this phrase adds a sense of historical depth and importance to the subject at hand. When incorporating it into your writing, be mindful of overuse to avoid clichés, and consider using synonyms like "established custom" or "long-standing practice" to provide variety. Remember, the phrase serves to emphasize the enduring value and significance of established customs, making it a powerful tool when used judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

traditional custom

A more direct synonym, emphasizing the adherence to established ways.

customary practice

Focuses on the habitual and widely accepted nature of the practice.

long-standing practice

Emphasizes the duration and continuation of the practice over time.

established custom

Focuses on the long-standing and recognized nature of the practice.

classic tradition

Highlights the enduring appeal and iconic status of the tradition.

venerable custom

Highlights the respect and reverence associated with the tradition.

age-old practice

Stresses the ancient roots and historical depth of the tradition.

historic practice

Highlights the historical importance and context of the practice.

entrenched tradition

Underscores the firmly established and difficult-to-change nature of the tradition.

time-tested method

Emphasizes the reliability and proven effectiveness of the approach over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "time-honored tradition" to describe a long-standing custom or practice. For example, "Celebrating Thanksgiving with family is a "time-honored tradition" in the United States".

What are some synonyms for "time-honored tradition"?

Alternatives to "time-honored tradition" include "established custom", "long-standing practice", or "traditional custom", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "time-honored tradition" formal or informal?

"Time-honored tradition" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase. It is appropriate for use in news articles, academic papers, and business communications, as well as more informal contexts.

What is the difference between "time-honored tradition" and "old habit"?

"Time-honored tradition" refers to a custom or practice with historical and cultural significance, whereas "old habit" simply refers to a recurring behavior, often on a personal level. A "time-honored tradition" carries a sense of respect and longevity that an old habit does not.