weight of tradition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weight of tradition" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to the emotional power or influence of a traditional culture, or to the strength or importance of a set of customs or beliefs. For example, "The weight of tradition dictates that the bride's family pays for the wedding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

One loves that – the weight of tradition".

The Guardian

By treating their Hollywood heroes as artists, they were fighting uphill against the weight of tradition.

The New Yorker

After the vote, Ms. Vulgamore said the board felt heavily the weight of tradition.

The New York Times - Arts

Through the weight of tradition, too many cultures and many governments even now keep women in a subordinate role.

The New York Times

Even the love affairs in his film are rotted out by the pursuit of money and power and the oppressive weight of tradition.

The New Yorker

Riccardo Chailly's new recording nods to the weight of tradition yet the purposeful, rosy, Victorian bloom of his orchestra is lightly applied.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

I've had a few unpleasant experiences with them". According to this businessman, Sony may have had particular difficulties because it is viewed in Japan as a kind of upstart company, founded after World War II and lacking the weight of traditions associated with the big industrial and trading houses founded in the 19th century.

The New York Times

In Dhahaba alladhīna uḥibbuhum (1999; "The Ones I Love Passed Away"), her poems conveyed the image of a woman struggling against society's restrictive traditions, a sentiment also prevalent in the poetry of Ajdādī al-qatalah (2001; "My Ancestors, the Assassins"), in which she deplored the heavy weight of traditions and women's life in the shadows.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In "Triumph of Religion" the weight of that tradition apparently devoured the personality of the artist.

The New York Times - Arts

Whenever Thoreau described his Journal, he measured his expectations against the weight of literary tradition.

Princeton University

The crystals seemed to symbolize the weight of past tradition this role represents: glittering and heavy, with a clunky tiara.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "weight of tradition", consider if you want to emphasize the positive (stability, continuity) or negative (restriction, stagnation) aspects of tradition to tailor your message effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "weight of tradition" as a blanket term. Be specific about which traditions you are referring to and their precise effects. This adds depth and credibility to your analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weight of tradition" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, often describing a significant influence or burden. Ludwig provides various examples illustrating its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "weight of tradition" is a noun phrase commonly employed to denote the significant influence of historical customs and beliefs on contemporary scenarios. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples from diverse sources, including news outlets, encyclopedias, and academic publications. This phrase, frequently used in analytical and descriptive writing, effectively communicates both the positive and negative impacts of established traditions. While versatile, mindful application and context-specific awareness is essential to enhance clarity. Related phrases, like "influence of tradition", offer nuanced alternatives to convey specific aspects of tradition's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

influence of tradition

Focuses on the impact tradition has on shaping actions or beliefs.

impact of tradition

Highlights the force with which tradition affects present-day situations.

burden of tradition

Emphasizes the oppressive or restrictive aspects of tradition.

force of tradition

Stresses the compelling power that tradition wields.

legacy of tradition

Centers on what tradition leaves behind and how it persists.

grip of tradition

Implies that tradition holds tightly and is difficult to escape.

constraints of tradition

Draws attention to the limitations imposed by traditional practices.

demands of tradition

Highlights the requirements and expectations set by traditional customs.

oppression of tradition

Underscores the way tradition can suppress individual freedoms.

inhibitions of tradition

Focuses on how tradition may hinder progress or innovation.

FAQs

How can the phrase "weight of tradition" be used in a sentence?

The phrase "weight of tradition" can be used to describe how customs and beliefs from the past influence present-day decisions and behaviors. For example, "The company struggled to innovate due to the "weight of tradition"".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "weight of tradition"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "weight of tradition" include phrases like "influence of tradition", "legacy of tradition", or "force of tradition". Each alternative slightly shifts the emphasis of the original phrase.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "weight of tradition"?

The phrase "weight of tradition" is suitable when discussing cultural norms, historical legacies, or institutional practices that have a significant and sometimes burdensome influence on current actions. It's often used in discussions about societal change, business innovation, and personal choices.

How does the "weight of tradition" impact societal progress?

The "weight of tradition" can both hinder and promote societal progress. It can provide stability and cultural identity but also impede innovation and perpetuate outdated practices. Whether its impact is positive or negative often depends on the specific tradition and the context in which it operates.