usual custom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "usual custom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a practice or tradition that is commonly followed in a particular context or culture. Example: "In our community, it is the usual custom to celebrate the harvest festival with a large feast."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Or should we follow our usual custom?

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times

Now he had just finished his freshman year in college but, against usual custom, he still came out to Sag.

The New Yorker

In Mr. Cheney's case, the team followed its usual custom of listening to rock music on the radio.

The New York Times - Science

Last spring, in keeping with its usual custom, the M.M.S. granted BP all sorts of exemptions from environmental regulations.

The New Yorker

He hid from reporters on his plane, and even dodged his usual custom of giving a reporter a birthday hug.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 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

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

So decomposed were Uday and Qusay that Mr. Hussein's family decided to forgo the usual Islamic custom of wrapping the bodies in a shroud.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about cultural practices, use "usual custom" to indicate a common and widely accepted behavior within a specific group or society. For example: "It is the "usual custom" to bring a gift when visiting someone's home."

Common error

Avoid assuming that the "usual custom" in one culture applies universally. Always research and respect the specific practices of the culture you are discussing to prevent misinterpretations or offense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "usual custom" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly refers to a practice or tradition that is commonly followed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

21%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "usual custom" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that refers to a common practice or tradition within a specific context. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and applicable in written English. It finds use across diverse domains, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. For alternatives, consider phrases such as "common practice" or "standard procedure", depending on the intended nuance. When using "usual custom", it's important to be mindful of cultural nuances and ensure that you're accurately representing the practices of the group or society you're describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

typical practice

Focuses on the standard way of doing something.

standard procedure

Implies a formally established and widely accepted method.

common tradition

Highlights the aspect of heritage and widespread acceptance.

established norm

Emphasizes that the custom is a well-recognized standard.

prevailing habit

Underscores the repetitive and widespread nature of the custom.

accepted convention

Stresses the agreed-upon and socially sanctioned nature of the custom.

general rule

Implies a guideline that is widely applied.

routine

Highlights the habitual and predictable nature of the action.

normal fashion

Focuses on the typical way of doing something.

customary manner

Implies that it's a habit or traditional way.

FAQs

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

You can use "usual custom" to describe a common practice or tradition. For instance, "In Japan, it's the "usual custom" to remove your shoes before entering a home."

What is a synonym for "usual custom"?

Synonyms for "usual custom" include "common practice", "standard procedure", or "accepted norm". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "usual custom"?

Use "usual custom" when you want to emphasize that a certain behavior or tradition is the norm within a specific group or society. It's appropriate when describing cultural practices, social etiquette, or expected behaviors.

How does "usual custom" differ from "common habit"?

"Usual custom" typically refers to a socially or culturally established practice, whereas "common habit" refers to an individual or group's frequent behavior. A "common habit" might not be a widespread or culturally significant practice like a "usual custom".