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のが常でした

was customary

→ の
phrase Rare #26,700
was customary Describes something that was habitually or regularly done in the past. This is a somewhat formal expression; のが常です means “it is customary” or “usually does.”
JA: 昔は、毎朝ここでコーヒーを飲むのが常でした。
EN: I used to regularly drink coffee here every morning.

彼は毎日外食するのが常でしたが、今はその余裕がありません。

He used to eat out every day, but he can't afford to anymore.

父は「時は金なり」と言うのが常でした。

My father would often say, “Time is money.”

私は彼と学校に行くのが常でした。

I used to go to school with him.