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Prepositions with tradition

Of tradition or to tradition?

Of tradition appears in descriptive phrases, while to tradition is uncommon except after words that naturally take to.

Quick answer

Using prepositions with tradition

Use of tradition after another noun, such as respect of tradition in formal writing or preservation of tradition. To tradition is not usually a direct combination, but it can appear after adjectives or verbs like connected to tradition.

The festival supports the preservation of tradition in the village.
Their music remains closely connected to tradition.
The article examined the role of tradition in education.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
of tradition

After another noun

Of tradition links tradition to another noun in formal or academic style.

The museum promotes the preservation of tradition.
Scholars discussed the influence of tradition on law.
2
true to tradition

Following established customs

To tradition itself is uncommon, but true to tradition is a standard expression.

The ceremony stayed true to tradition.
The restaurant remains true to tradition despite modern changes.
3
connected to tradition

Showing a relationship with customs

Some adjectives naturally take to before tradition.

The design is closely connected to tradition.
Many rural practices are linked to tradition.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
of tradition
The preservation of tradition matters to the community.
used after another noun
to tradition
The event stays true to tradition.
possible only when another word requires to
tradition of
They have a tradition of public service.
a common pattern where tradition is the main noun
in the tradition of
The film was made in the tradition of classic westerns.
following a style or model

Common mistakes

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

Using to tradition by itself

To tradition is not normally used alone after a verb.

✕ They are devoted to tradition ceremonies. ✓ They are devoted to traditional ceremonies.

Confusing of tradition with tradition of

The two patterns have different noun order.

✕ They value of tradition. ✓ They value tradition.

Missing the noun before of tradition

Of tradition usually follows another noun.

✕ The village keeps of tradition alive. ✓ The village keeps tradition alive.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The organisation supports the preservation ___ tradition.
2. The festival stayed true ___ tradition.
3. The article examined the influence ___ tradition on art.

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Frequently asked questions

Is to tradition correct English?

Usually only after words that naturally take to, such as true to tradition or connected to tradition.

What is the most common pattern with tradition?

Tradition of is very common, as in a tradition of excellence.

Can I use of tradition alone?

It normally appears after another noun, especially in formal writing.

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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