family tradition — custom
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
A regular activity, habit, or celebration that a family does together and passes down from one generation to the next.
Say it like a native
Textbook It is a longstanding custom observed by our kin.
Native It's a family tradition.
'Custom observed by our kin' is stiff; 'family tradition' is the everyday phrase.
Pattern: family tradition (of) + -ing/noun
In use
- Every December, our family tradition is to bake cookies together and decorate the house.family
- One important family tradition in my country is having a big dinner together during the Lunar New Year. It brings everyone closer and helps us remember our roots.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ It's a family tradition since many years.
✓ It's a family tradition going back years.
Not 'since many years' — say 'going back years' or 'for years'.
Common collocations
family tradition— a, long-standing, keep up a, pass down
Don't confuse it
A 'habit' is usually personal, while a 'family tradition' involves the whole family.