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Grammar fix

family tradition

custom

A regular activity, habit, or celebration that a family does together and passes down from one generation to the next.

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • 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

Fix the pattern

Pattern: family tradition (of) + -ing/noun

WrongIt's a family tradition since many years.

RightIt's a family tradition going back years.

Not 'since many years' — say 'going back years' or 'for years'.

Patternfamily tradition (of) + -ing/noun

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff It is a longstanding custom observed by our kin.

Natural It's a family tradition.

'Custom observed by our kin' is stiff; 'family tradition' is the everyday phrase.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • family tradition
    along-standingkeep up apass down

Don't confuse it

A 'habit' is usually personal, while a 'family tradition' involves the whole family.

Try it in Daily Speak →