Be wont to do sth
'be wont to do sth'

I've encountered this expression in one of Saki's short stories. I wonder whether this expression is commonly used now. Is it ok to use it in an everyday conversation or it is a slightly bookish expression? Is it suitable for academic writing?

Thank you for taking time to help me :)Here is the quote from the short story where the expression was used.
In the shed that evening there was an innovation in the worship of the hutch-god. Conradin had been wont to chant his praises, tonight he asked a boon.

Question

Be wont to do sth
'be wont to do sth'

I've encountered this expression in one of Saki's short stories. I wonder whether this expression is commonly used now. Is it ok to use it in an everyday conversation or it is a slightly bookish expression? Is it suitable for academic writing?

Thank you for taking time to help me :)Here is the quote from the short story where the expression was used.
In the shed that evening there was an innovation in the worship of the hutch-god. Conradin had been wont to chant his praises, tonight he asked a boon.

Answer

Hi Ksenia,

Yes, I think "bookish" is the correct description for this phrase. Still, it's worth knowing.

By the way, I just re-watched  the "Pirhanha Brothers" sketch by Monty Python - one of the characters uses this expression several times. You might get a feeling for its use by watching the sketch.

Answer

Hi Ksenia
This is rather a formal way of expressing "be likely to do something". In everyday conversation, I would use the second variant.