- Do you ever feel like your descriptions of culture sound “clunky” or repetitive?
- Are you unsure whether to “make,” “start,” or “keep” a tradition?
- Which adjectives should you use to describe a custom that has lasted for centuries?
To speak English fluently, you cannot simply translate word-for-word from your native language. You must learn Tradition Collocations—the specific words that native speakers naturally group together. Mastering these combinations will help you sound more professional, reduce your “Language Anxiety,” and ensure your writing flows logically.
Essential Collocations using TRADITION as a Noun
In modern English, “tradition” is almost exclusively used as a noun. It refers to a custom or belief passed down through generations. To use it correctly, we must look at the verbs and adjectives that commonly accompany it.
Common Verbs Used with Tradition
These verbs describe the action of starting, continuing, or stopping a custom.
- Start / Establish a tradition: To begin a new custom.
Example: Our family decided to start a tradition of hiking every New Year’s Day. - Keep / Maintain a tradition: To continue doing something as it has been done in the past.
Example: It is difficult to maintain traditions when moving to a new country. - Carry on / Uphold a tradition: To continue a custom that was started by others (often ancestors).
Example: She wanted to uphold the tradition of handmade holiday cards. - Break with tradition: To do something different from what has been done for a long time.
Example: They decided to break with tradition and have a small, private wedding. - Observe a tradition: To follow or celebrate a specific custom.
Example: Many cultures observe the tradition of lighting candles during the winter solstice.
Descriptive Adjectives for Tradition
Use these adjectives to provide more detail about the nature of the custom.
- Long-standing tradition: A custom that has existed for a very long time.
Example: The university has a long-standing tradition of excellence in research. - Time-honored tradition: A custom that is respected because it has existed for a long time.
Example: Gift-giving is a time-honored tradition in many business cultures. - Deeply rooted tradition: A custom that is a fundamental part of a society or family.
Example: Hospitality is a deeply rooted tradition in Mediterranean cultures. - Family tradition: A custom specific to one particular family.
Example: Sunday brunch has become a favorite family tradition. - Oral tradition: Knowledge or stories passed down by speech rather than writing.
Example: Much of the tribe’s history was preserved through oral tradition.
The Master Summary Table
| Collocation | Part of Speech | Quick Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Start a tradition | Verb + Noun | To begin a new custom |
| Break with tradition | Verb + Preposition + Noun | To stop following an old custom |
| Long-standing tradition | Adjective + Noun | A custom that has lasted many years |
| In keeping with tradition | Prepositional Phrase | Doing something because it is the custom |
| Uphold a tradition | Verb + Noun | To support or continue a custom |
| Local tradition | Adjective + Noun | A custom specific to a certain area |
Common Mistakes: Natural vs Unnatural
Learners often use verbs from their native language that don’t quite fit “tradition” in English. Review this table to avoid common “translationese.”
| Do Not Say | Say This |
|---|---|
| Make a tradition | Start or Establish a tradition |
| Following the tradition of… | In keeping with tradition… |
| An old-age tradition | An ancient or long-standing tradition |
| Destroy a tradition | Break with or Abandon a tradition |
“Although my company usually hosts a formal gala, this year we decided to break with tradition and host a casual beach party instead. We wanted to establish a new tradition that focuses on employee relaxation. In keeping with tradition, however, we still handed out the ‘Employee of the Year’ award, as it is a time-honored tradition that everyone values.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Tradition Collocations
What is the difference between “traditional” and “tradition”?
“Tradition” is a noun (the thing itself), while “traditional” is an adjective used to describe something else. For example, “It is a tradition (noun) to eat turkey,” versus “We had a traditional (adjective) dinner.”
Can I say “according to tradition”?
Yes, this is a very common and natural phrase. It is often used to explain why something is being done in a specific way based on past customs.
Is “tradition” used as a verb?
No. In modern English, “tradition” is not used as a verb. If you want to describe the act of passing something down, use verbs like “hand down,” “pass on,” or “bequeath.”
What preposition follows “tradition”?
We usually use “of” to describe the content of the tradition (e.g., “the tradition of storytelling”) or “in” when describing a state (e.g., “in the tradition of the great poets”).
What does “by tradition” mean?
“By tradition” is an adverbial phrase meaning that something happens because of custom rather than by law or official rule. Example: “By tradition, the oldest member of the family speaks first.”
The advice on reducing 'Language Anxiety' is so important. When I know the right collocation, I feel so much more confident speaking. Thanks for these practical tips!
We're delighted to hear that, Patrick! Building confidence is a huge part of learning a language, and mastering collocations definitely helps achieve that. When you know you're using words together like a native speaker, your fluency and self-assurance naturally grow. Keep practicing, and you'll notice a significant difference!
This is such a useful topic. I'm going to share it with my students. It's so easy to just use 'do' or 'make' for everything, but these collocations really improve accuracy.
Could you say 'commence a tradition'? Or is that too formal/archaic compared to 'start' or 'establish'?
That's an insightful question, Ben! While 'commence' is a perfectly valid verb meaning 'to begin,' it's generally much more formal and less commonly used with 'tradition' than 'start' or 'establish.' You might hear it in very formal or ceremonial contexts, but for everyday language, 'start' or 'establish' would sound much more natural and idiomatic. Stick to those for typical conversations about traditions!
My biggest takeaway is that direct translation is often the enemy of fluency. This article really highlighted that for 'tradition'.
The article mentions adjectives but only gives examples of verbs. Could you give a few more examples of adjectives that go well with 'tradition'? Like, 'sacred tradition' or 'colorful tradition'?
Thanks for asking for more detail, Omar! You're on the right track. 'Sacred tradition' is a perfect example, implying deep religious or cultural importance. 'Colorful tradition' works well to describe a custom with vibrant displays or costumes. Other excellent adjectives include 'ancient tradition,' 'cherished tradition,' 'family tradition,' 'local tradition,' 'national tradition,' 'enduring tradition,' and 'dying tradition' (for one that is fading). Each adjective adds a unique flavor!
I'm still a beginner, but this article makes me want to learn more about collocations. It feels like unlocking a secret level in English! Very inspiring.
That's fantastic to hear, Emily! You've got the right attitude. Collocations truly are a 'secret level' that will elevate your English remarkably. Don't be discouraged if it takes time; even native speakers are constantly learning new combinations. Start with a few common ones related to topics you care about, and you'll see your fluency grow! Keep that enthusiasm going!
I appreciate the focus on 'tradition' as almost exclusively a noun. Sometimes I'm tempted to use 'traditional' as a verb, but then I stop myself. This confirms it.
Are there specific adverbs that often go with these verbs? Like, 'carefully maintain a tradition' or 'proudly uphold a tradition'?
Excellent question, Jin! Yes, adding adverbs can significantly enrich your descriptions. 'Carefully maintain a tradition,' 'proudly uphold a tradition,' 'diligently preserve a tradition,' or 'eagerly start a tradition' are all wonderful and natural combinations. Adverbs add a layer of nuance, describing *how* the action is performed, which is key to fluent and expressive English. Keep experimenting with them!
I've been living abroad for years, and it truly is difficult to 'maintain traditions' when you're away from home. This article helped me put words to that feeling. Are there other verbs that express the struggle to keep them alive?
Thanks for sharing your experience, Anya – it's a common challenge many global learners face. Beyond 'maintain,' you could also use 'preserve a tradition' (emphasizing careful safeguarding) or 'pass down a tradition' (focusing on the generational transfer, which can be difficult if there's no one to pass it to). When facing difficulty, phrases like 'struggle to uphold a tradition' or 'fight to keep a tradition alive' are very evocative. We appreciate you relating your personal journey!
This article made me realize I need to pay more attention to collocations. I always focused on individual words. Thanks for the wake-up call, Translateen!