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Prepositions with nouns

Prepositions used with custom

Different prepositions with custom have different meanings. Some are standard fixed expressions, while others are limited to specific contexts.

Quick answer

Which preposition works with custom?

Custom of is common for traditions belonging to a group. Custom to appears mainly in be customary to. By custom means according to tradition. For custom is uncommon with this noun. In custom is rare except in specialised contexts.

It is the custom of the village to celebrate in spring.
Guests stood when the bride entered, by custom.
It is customary to remove your shoes indoors.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
custom of + group/place

Describing a tradition belonging to people

Use custom of to identify whose tradition it is.

The custom of giving gifts continues today.
This is a long-standing custom of the region.
2
by custom

Following traditional practice

Use by custom to mean according to established tradition.

The eldest child inherits the land by custom.
3
customary to + verb

Showing usual behaviour

Customary is the adjective form commonly followed by to.

It is customary to greet visitors formally.
4
in custom

Discussing customs as a field or system

In custom is uncommon but may appear in specialised or historical writing.

The differences in custom were noted by historians.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
custom of
The custom of sharing food is still important.
Standard for traditions belonging to a community.
customary to
It is customary to bow at the ceremony.
Common adjective pattern.
by custom
The market closes early by custom.
According to tradition.
for custom
They thanked customers for their custom.
Different meaning: custom here means business support.
in custom
The two regions differ in custom and dress.
Possible in formal discussion of traditions.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using custom to instead of customary to

The adjective customary is normally used before to + verb.

✕ It is custom to arrive early. ✓ It is customary to arrive early.

Using for custom for traditions

For custom usually relates to business patronage, not cultural traditions.

✕ They are known for custom celebrations. ✓ They are known for traditional celebrations.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. It is ___ to shake hands at business meetings.
2. The festival is a custom ___ the coastal communities.
3. The rule continues ___ custom rather than law.

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Frequently asked questions

Is custom to correct?

Usually the adjective customary to is preferred before a verb phrase.

What does by custom mean?

It means according to long-established tradition or common practice.

Can in custom be used?

Yes, but mainly in formal or academic discussion comparing traditions or social practices.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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