traditional church

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "traditional church" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a church that follows long-established customs and practices, often in contrast to more modern or contemporary forms of worship. Example: "Many people find comfort in the rituals and community of a traditional church."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

These are not traditional church tracks.

The New York Times - Arts

But as for traditional church fanciness that's about it.

The New Yorker

The congregation do not meet in a traditional church building.

The Guardian

But the traditional church is also at fault.

The New York Times - Books

"We're not necessarily trying to be in a traditional church".

The New York Times

The financial clout of the traditional church in running the show is gone.

The New Yorker

Holy Trinity Brompton was once a tranquil and quite traditional church.

The New Yorker

Some cited recently written traditional church hymns; others mentioned songs by popular Christian musicians.

The New Yorker

It incorporates both traditional church and family values and progressive values such as social welfare.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Churches around the world have held "U2charists" — full services at which traditional church music is replaced with songs by U2.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The more traditional, church-going Katich disagreed; a fierce argument ensued.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When contrasting with modern forms of worship, use "traditional church" to emphasize the adherence to established customs and practices. For example, "Many people find comfort in the rituals and community of a "traditional church".

Common error

Avoid using "traditional church" as a blanket term for all older churches. Ensure the context aligns with the church's adherence to long-established customs and practices, as opposed to simply its age.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "traditional church" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig shows it frequently describes a place of worship that adheres to established customs and doctrines, contrasting with more modern or contemporary approaches.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "traditional church" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a church that adheres to long-established customs and doctrines. As Ludwig highlights, it often serves to contrast such churches with more modern or contemporary forms of worship. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki sources, indicating its broad applicability and neutral register. While alternatives like "historic church" or "established church" exist, they each carry slightly different connotations. Therefore, understanding the specific context is crucial for accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

historic church

Focuses on the age and historical significance of the church.

established church

Emphasizes the long-standing presence and authority of the church.

conventional church

Highlights adherence to accepted norms and practices.

old-fashioned church

Implies a style or approach that is no longer widely popular.

orthodox church

Refers to a church that strictly adheres to traditional doctrines.

mainstream church

Describes a church that is part of the dominant religious culture.

heritage church

Highlights the church's cultural and ancestral importance.

classical church

Emphasizes the timeless and enduring qualities of the church.

conservative church

Focuses on the church's resistance to change and modern influences.

liturgical church

Highlights the church's emphasis on formal rituals and ceremonies.

FAQs

What does "traditional church" mean?

The term "traditional church" refers to a church that adheres to long-established customs, doctrines, and practices. It often implies a contrast with more modern or contemporary forms of worship.

How can I use "traditional church" in a sentence?

You can use "traditional church" in sentences like, "The wedding will take place in a "traditional church"", or "Many find solace in the rituals of a "traditional church"".

What are some alternatives to "traditional church"?

Alternatives include "historic church", "established church", or "conventional church", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

What is the difference between "traditional church" and "orthodox church"?

"Traditional church" generally refers to adherence to established customs, while "orthodox church" specifically denotes strict adherence to traditional doctrines. The term "orthodox church" is more specific.