Cool MateCustom vs I have this habit of doodling
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Custom
I have this habit of doodling
| Custom | I have this habit of doodling | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈkʌstəm/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkʌstəm/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //aɪ hæv ðɪs ˈhæbɪt əv ˈduːdlɪŋ//🇺🇸 //aɪ hæv ðɪs ˈhæbɪt əv ˈduːdəlɪŋ// |
| Meaning | A special way of doing something that is chosen by a person or group. | I often draw simple pictures without thinking. |
| Example | The company has a custom of giving bonuses at the end of the year. | Whenever I'm bored, I have this habit of doodling. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | accepted, age-old, ancient, follow, observe, practise/practice, die out, disappear, prevail, according to a/the custom, in accordance with (a/the) custom, through custom, as is/was the custom | develop a habit, common habit, strange habit |
| Antonyms | standard, norm | disuse, inactivity, neglect |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'costume' due to similar spelling., Misused as a verb instead of a noun in sentences., Omitted the plural when talking about multiple customs. | 'Have' instead of 'has' for third person singular., Confusing 'habit' with 'habits' when indicating multiple., Using 'of doodles' instead of 'of doodling'. |
| Usage notes | Used when referring to practices that are specific to a person, culture, or organization. Not usually used in formal writing without context. | Use this phrase in casual conversations. Not suitable for formal writing. Can express a personal trait. |
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Frequently asked questions: Custom vs I have this habit of doodling
What's the difference between Custom and I have this habit of doodling?
Custom: A special way of doing something that is chosen by a person or group. I have this habit of doodling: I often draw simple pictures without thinking.
Which is more formal: Custom and I have this habit of doodling?
Custom is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Custom and I have this habit of doodling?
Custom is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Custom: The company has a custom of giving bonuses at the end of the year. I have this habit of doodling: Whenever I'm bored, I have this habit of doodling.
Can I use Custom and I have this habit of doodling interchangeably?
Not always. Custom and I have this habit of doodling are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.