Pretty usual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Pretty usual" is not standard in written English, but it can be understood in informal contexts.
It can be used to describe something that is fairly common or typical, often in casual conversation. Example: "It's pretty usual for the trains to be late during rush hour."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It's pretty usual for a kid from a broken home".

The Guardian - Music

I'm surprised, but, says Marcin, this setup is pretty usual for families living in flats.

The Guardian

"His reaction was pretty usual," they said, referring to the man who barged them and then squared up to fight them.

Independent

"Hackbots are pretty usual, but our innovation was the shield.

TechCrunch

That's pretty usual; folks hide behind markets because the dumpsters are full of food.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

This rainy summer has not been kind to the berries that Franca Tantillo, below, sells in the Union Square Greenmarket on Wednesdays and Fridays: they taste just fine but are not as pretty as usual.

The New York Times - Food

If you already receive a generous allowance but need a bit more for a pedicure or haircut, explain that you're not feeling as pretty as usual and need some extra financial help.

WikiHow

26), with the lots spanning the nineteenth and twentieth centuries; it includes the usual pretty vistas (one of the prettiest, "Vermont Landscape," is by Milton Avery), sea views, and still-lifes.

The New Yorker

For all the talk about new paradigms, it could be politics as usual pretty soon.

The Economist

Ramatuelle has continued leasing out lots on Pampelonne, and business has been pretty much as usual.

The New York Times

An Everyman, Sandy comes with the usual pretty wife (Amanda Peet) and cute kids, with another on the way.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pretty usual" in informal contexts like casual conversations or less formal writing where a relaxed tone is appropriate. In academic or professional settings, consider more formal alternatives such as "fairly common" or "quite typical".

Common error

Avoid using "pretty usual" in formal reports, academic papers, or business communications. Its informal tone can undermine the credibility and professionalism of your writing. Opt for more precise and formal synonyms like "relatively common" or "moderately typical" to maintain a suitable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretty usual" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is common or typical. Ludwig AI indicates its usage is more acceptable in informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pretty usual" is an adjectival phrase used to describe something that is fairly common or typical. While grammatically acceptable in informal settings, Ludwig AI suggests avoiding it in formal writing and communications, opting instead for alternatives like "fairly common" or "quite typical". Predominantly found in News & Media sources, its informal register makes it unsuitable for academic or professional contexts. It's best used when aiming for a relaxed and conversational tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fairly common

Emphasizes the aspect of frequency but is slightly more formal.

Quite typical

Highlights the aspect of being representative of a standard type.

Reasonably standard

Focuses on conformity to a norm or expectation.

Somewhat ordinary

Underscores the lack of exceptional qualities.

Moderately typical

Similar to "quite typical" but suggests a lesser degree of typicality.

Kind of normal

More colloquial and less formal, indicating something within the range of usual expectations.

Slightly commonplace

Highlights the lack of uniqueness.

Generally expected

Focuses on predictability based on established patterns.

Rather run-of-the-mill

More emphatic, suggesting something lacks distinction.

Passably typical

Suggests the bare minimum level of typicality, implying it just barely meets the standard.

FAQs

What does "Pretty usual" mean?

The phrase "pretty usual" means something is fairly common or typical. It suggests that a situation or event is not out of the ordinary. It's generally used in informal contexts.

Is "Pretty usual" grammatically correct?

While the phrase "pretty usual" is commonly understood, it's considered more acceptable in informal speech and writing. In formal contexts, using phrases like "fairly common" or "quite typical" would be more appropriate.

What are some alternatives to "Pretty usual"?

You can use alternatives such as "fairly common", "quite typical", or "reasonably standard" depending on the context.

How can I use "Pretty usual" in a sentence?

You can use "pretty usual" in a sentence like: "It's "pretty usual" for the trains to be late during rush hour."