traditional customs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "traditional customs" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to any customs or practices that are long-established and widely accepted. For example: "In many cultures, traditional customs are still followed to mark important occasions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For more on the traditional customs of the day, check out Rothwell Polk's blog on the Huffington Post, "Nowruz 2011: Iranian American Baha'is Observe New Year with Traditional Customs".

Huffington Post

The aim was no longer to establish and list traditional customs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The once venerated traditional customs — honor, ceremoniousness, even duelling — struck him as hopelessly insincere.

The New Yorker

The result was calamitous for traditional customs, hierarchies and a sense of identity.

The Guardian

That was in 1966, during the Cultural Revolution, when traditional customs were vilified as feudal dregs.

The New York Times

Certain unique traditional customs evolved that gave women a stronger social position than that of the women in North China.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Solstice is the longest day of the year and has a rich history of pagan and traditional customs.

Independent

There may also be a fear that interfering in traditional customs could be seen as cultural imperialism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Most Malagasy, regardless of their degree of "modernity," continue to observe traditional customs, particularly those connected with the family tomb and ceremonies showing respect for the family's ancestors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As war threatens, the four young women's differences reflect divergences in Japanese society between traditional customs and the appeal of Western ways.

The New Yorker

So says Hawaiian lore, and with the growth of interest in traditional customs, the practice of burying the placenta has become more common on the islands.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about culture, specify which culture's "traditional customs" you're referencing to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "traditional customs" as a catch-all term without acknowledging the diversity and specific nuances within those customs. Each culture has its own unique traditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "traditional customs" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'traditional' acts as an adjective modifying 'customs'. Ludwig shows it is used to describe practices, rituals, or behaviors that have been passed down through generations within a community or culture.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "traditional customs" is a noun phrase used to describe established practices within a culture. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. The phrase carries a neutral to formal tone and appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While often positive, some "traditional customs" may warrant critical evaluation in contemporary society. Alternatives such as "cultural traditions" or "time-honored practices" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cultural traditions

Focuses specifically on the cultural aspect of the customs, emphasizing their role in defining a culture.

customary practices

Uses 'customary' as a direct synonym for 'traditional', keeping the core meaning intact.

time-honored practices

Highlights the long-standing nature and respect associated with the practices.

established conventions

Emphasizes the formal and widely accepted nature of these customs.

long-standing traditions

Similar to "traditional customs" but places more emphasis on the duration and continuity of the traditions.

age-old rituals

Focuses on rituals that are very old and have been passed down through generations.

historic traditions

Emphasizes the historical significance and origin of the traditions.

ancestral ways

Highlights the connection to ancestors and their practices.

folk traditions

Refers to traditions that originate from the common people or folk of a particular region or culture.

inherited customs

Focuses on the aspect of customs being passed down from one generation to another.

FAQs

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

You can use "traditional customs" to describe established practices within a culture or community. For example: "The wedding ceremony was rich with "traditional customs" dating back centuries."

What are some alternatives to "traditional customs"?

Alternatives include "cultural traditions", "time-honored practices", or "established conventions", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Are "traditional customs" always positive?

Not necessarily. While many "traditional customs" are valued and celebrated, some may be harmful or outdated in modern society. It's important to evaluate them critically.

What's the difference between "traditional customs" and "cultural norms"?

"Traditional customs" are specific practices passed down through generations, while "cultural norms" are broader, unwritten rules that govern behavior within a society. "Traditional customs" often reinforce "cultural norms".