a usual incident

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a usual incident" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or occurrence that is common or typical in a particular context. Example: "The power outage was just a usual incident during the storm season in our area."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The usual incident that breaks up this party of travelers is a quarrel, after which they divide into two groups, occupying separate villages, and for years make constant war on each other.

Encyclopedia Britannica

According to Tacitus (writing around 50 years after the event): Claudius equipped triremes, quadriremes, and nineteen thousand combatants: the lists he surrounded with rafts, so as to leave no unauthorized points of escape, but reserved space enough in the centre to display the vigour of the rowing, the arts of the helmsmen, the impetus of the galleys, and the usual incidents of an engagement.

Wikipedia

To acquire, hold, lease, mortgage or dispose of, at public or private sale, real and personal property, purchase or sell any securities or obligations, and otherwise exercise all the usual incidents of ownership of property necessary and convenient to the business of the Corporation.

Cornell University

Gerard A. Burke, steward for the New York Racing Association, said that the stewards expect to question Velasquez, a usual procedure after such an incident.

The New York Times - Sports

Since 58% of the incidents occurred in the course of conducting a usual and expected activity, some trigger must have occurred to alter the conduct of that activity.

BMC Geriatrics

For over half the sample, the incident was not temporally-disordered as they were on a usual, expected activity occuring at an appropriate time of day.

BMC Geriatrics

The ambulance service responded to 1,800 incidents on New Year's Day alone - far more than on a usual busy day.

BBC

A usual occurrence.

The New Yorker

This is not a usual tragedy for a usual response.

Yale University

A usual suspect at riots".

BBC

Have a usual background.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add impact consider using a synonym of usual to enrich your text with alternatives like “common” or “typical”.

Common error

Avoid using "a usual incident" when the incident is not, in fact, common or typical in the specific context. Overstating the frequency can undermine your credibility. Make sure that you are stating a fact. If something is not usual, don't call it usual.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a usual incident" functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that the incident is typical or common. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It helps to convey the idea that an event is not unexpected or out of the ordinary.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a usual incident" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe an event that is common or typical in a specific context. While not overly frequent, Ludwig AI confirms its validity, appearing in various sources such as news, academic, and scientific contexts. Its communicative purpose is to normalize or downplay events by presenting them as expected occurrences. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "a common occurrence" or "a typical event" to convey similar meanings. Remember to ensure the context clearly defines what 'usual' means to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common occurrence

Emphasizes the frequency and ordinariness of the event.

a typical event

Focuses on the representativeness of the incident.

a routine matter

Highlights the lack of exceptional circumstances.

a normal event

Indicates the incident is within expected parameters.

a standard situation

Implies conformity to established norms.

an everyday occurrence

Stresses the commonplace nature of the event.

a regular happening

Highlights the consistent repetition of the incident.

a familiar sight

Emphasizes the recognizable and predictable nature of the event.

a run-of-the-mill incident

Implies the incident is unremarkable and average.

business as usual

Focuses on the continuity of normal operations despite the incident.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a usual incident" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "a common occurrence", "a typical event", or "a routine matter". These alternatives offer a similar meaning but with a more professional register.

What's the difference between "a usual incident" and "an isolated incident"?

"A usual incident" implies that the event happens regularly or is typical in a given context, while "an isolated incident" suggests that the event is rare and not part of a pattern.

When is it appropriate to use "a usual incident" in writing?

Use "a usual incident" when you want to convey that an event is not surprising or out of the ordinary because it frequently occurs or is expected in a particular situation. Make sure the readers will understand that in the context it's not extraordinary.

What are some less common synonyms for "a usual incident"?

Some less common but equally valid synonyms include "a standard situation", "an everyday occurrence", or "a regular happening". These options can add variety to your writing while maintaining the core meaning.