Usual practice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Usual practice" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to refer to a standard or common way of doing something in a particular context. For example, "In our company, it is usual practice to conduct annual performance reviews." Alternative expressions include "standard procedure" and "common practice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Usual practice would diverge from the objective evidence [ 47].

BMC Health Services Research

It followed its usual practice.

The New York Times

The agency declined to comment, which is its usual practice.

The New York Times

Not so on her usual practice grounds in the city.

The New York Times - Sports

In 1981 (and now) the usual practice was to vent the CO2 to the atmosphere.

The Guardian

Showing the episode departed from the usual practice of ignoring intruders to discourage future incidents.

The New York Times - Sports

The White House did not formally ask them to broadcast it, the usual practice.

The New York Times

As is usual practice, the Countrywide disclosure schedules are not made public.

The New York Times

The usual practice is to wait until the suspect has left the premises with the object.

The New York Times

Mr. Li, 59, said that was a sharp departure from usual practice.

The New York Times - Arts

The author has spoken of writing speedily, abandoning his usual practice of endless revision.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process, clarify whether the "usual practice" is beneficial, detrimental, or simply the norm, providing context for its prevalence.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the "usual practice" is necessarily the most effective or ethical option. Always evaluate it critically and consider alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "usual practice" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It is employed to denote a customary or typical method, procedure, or behavior within a specific context. Ludwig confirms this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

41%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "usual practice" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a standard or common way of doing something. As Ludwig AI states, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific publications. While the phrase itself is straightforward, it's important to critically assess whether the "usual practice" is indeed the best approach. Alternatives like "common procedure" or "established norm" may be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common procedure

Refers to an established and accepted way of doing something, similar to "usual practice" but emphasizes the procedural aspect.

standard operating procedure

Highlights a set of step-by-step instructions compiled by an organization to help workers carry out complex routine operations.

established norm

Focuses on the socially accepted and expected way of doing things, carrying overtones of social expectations.

conventional method

Emphasizes adherence to established and widely accepted approaches.

typical approach

Refers to a method that is commonly employed, placing stress on generality and average behavior.

customary practice

Draws attention to what is traditional and has been followed over time.

routine

Implies a set of actions performed regularly and in the same manner, losing the explicit nature of a practice.

accepted way

Highlights the recognition and approval given to a method, emphasizing the social validation.

prevailing trend

Indicates the most common or popular way of doing something at a particular time.

general habit

Refers to a widespread behavior or pattern, but might suggest less formal or planned action.

FAQs

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

You can use "usual practice" to describe a standard or common way of doing something, such as: "The "usual practice" is to submit reports weekly."

What's an alternative to the phrase "usual practice"?

Alternatives include "common procedure", "standard operating procedure", or "established norm", depending on the context.

Is "usual practice" formal or informal?

"Usual practice" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal settings might prefer "standard operating procedure".

When should I avoid using "usual practice"?

Consider avoiding "usual practice" if it implies that a potentially harmful or unethical method is being followed without critical evaluation; instead, advocate for a better alternative.