As usual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "As usual" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that something is happening in a typical or expected manner. Example: "She arrived late, as usual." Alternative expressions include "As always," "Typically," and "Like always."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

continue as usual.

The New Yorker

Make it "as usual".

The New York Times

Courts sat as usual.

Independent

Life resumed as usual.

The New Yorker

Saturday began as usual.

The New York Times

"Keeping busy, as usual".

The New Yorker

Favre started as usual.

The New York Times - Sports

Well stocked, as usual.

The New Yorker

Life continues as usual.

Independent

They'll fudge, as usual.

Forbes

Sound asleep, as usual.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ it at the beginning of a sentence followed by a comma to set the expectation for the reader immediately.

Common error

Avoid the mistake of saying "as usually". While "usually" is an adverb, the idiomatic phrase is "As usual". The word "usual" functions here as part of a fixed prepositional phrase where it acts as a noun substitute or an elliptical form of "as is usual".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "As usual" functions primarily as an adverbial adjunct that modifies an entire clause to indicate that the event described is consistent with past experience. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it often appears as a parenthetical remark or a sentence modifier. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to validate that an occurrence is expected and follows an established pattern.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

47%

News & Media

45%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "As usual" is an indispensable and versatile adverbial phrase in the English language. It serves as a bridge between current events and historical patterns, providing readers with context and expectations. Ludwig AI reveals that the phrase is equally at home in high-level journalism, scientific papers and everyday instructional guides. Its primary strength lies in its simplicity and its ability to signal consistency without requiring complex grammatical structures. Whether used to describe a recurring political trend in The New York Times or a step in a WikiHow tutorial, "As usual" remains a reliable tool for any writer. Remember to avoid the common pitfall of using "as usually" and stick to this time-tested idiomatic expression for maximum clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

As always

Indicates a constant state rather than just a frequent one

As per usual

Slightly more colloquial or sometimes used with a touch of irony

Typically

A single-word adverb often used in more clinical or analytical contexts

As is customary

Significantly more formal and refers to established traditions or social norms

Like always

More informal and common in spoken English

According to routine

Emphasizes the procedural nature of the action

Habitually

Focuses on the personal behavior or ingrained habits of an individual

In keeping with tradition

Used when the repetition is due to cultural or historical practices

Ordinarily

Suggests what happens in normal circumstances, often implying an exception might exist

As a rule

Implies a general principle or a standard way of behaving

FAQs

What can I say instead of "As usual"?

Depending on your context, you can use alternatives like "as always", "typically" or "as per usual".

Is it correct to start a sentence with "As usual"?

Yes, it is perfectly correct. When starting a sentence, it should be followed by a comma, for example: "As usual, the meeting started late."

What is the difference between "As usual" and "As always"?

While very similar, "As usual" refers to something that happens most of the time (frequency), whereas "as always" implies a constant, unchanging state (permanence).

Is "As usual" considered formal?

It is neutral and widely accepted in both formal and informal writing. For a more elevated tone, you might choose "as is customary".