a usual practice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a usual practice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a common or typical behavior or procedure in a particular context or situation. Example: "In our company, conducting regular performance reviews is a usual practice to ensure employee development."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

And there will be disclosures, but I would not call it a usual practice.

The New York Times

The force's professional standards department notified the IPCC, which is investigating – a usual practice when people die after contact with the police.

The Guardian

That order is worth 25.6 billion Hong Kong dollars, or $3.28 billion, Cathay Pacific said — though it will obtain the aircraft at an undisclosed discount, a usual practice in the industry.

The New York Times

Dr. Sandra Shumway, a shellfish biologist at the University of Connecticut, after whom Dr. Burkholder named a second species of pfiesteria, denied that it was a usual practice in marine biology for scientists to share their strains after a first publication.

The New York Times - Science

Trial and error in troubleshooting is a usual practice.

Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence

It is a usual practice that reports are generated as inspection remarks after inspection.

Journal of Modern Transportation

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

The psychometric properties were evaluated using data collected in a usual-practice, non-intervention study conducted at 4 sites in the United States.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Psychometric evaluation was accomplished by administering the EPBD during a usual-practice, non-intervention study conducted at 4 sites in the United States.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

To evaluate the effectiveness of a web based decision aid versus a leaflet versus, usual practice in reducing parents' decisional conflict for the first dose MMR vaccination decision.

Vaccine

In a departure from usual practice, I thought it might be an interesting experiment if we all chose our own translation, compared notes, and tried to see through to the essentials of the story.

The Guardian - Books

In a break with usual practice, the Cuomo administration did not issue a news release announcing the nomination, which was reported by The Buffalo News on Tuesday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a usual practice", ensure the context clearly defines the area where the practice is common. For example, "In software development, daily stand-up meetings are a usual practice."

Common error

Avoid using "a usual practice" without specifying the relevant field or context. Saying "It's a usual practice" without further clarification can be vague and confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a usual practice" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It describes a common or typical method or procedure.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a usual practice" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a typical or accepted procedure. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. As evidenced by the examples, the phrase appears frequently in scientific and news-related contexts. While interchangeable with alternatives like "a common procedure" or "a standard practice", it's important to specify the context in which the practice is considered usual to avoid vagueness. Remember to use "a usual practice" when you intend to convey that a specific method or action is routinely followed and generally accepted within a particular setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common practice

A slightly more concise way of expressing the same idea.

standard procedure

Similar to "a common procedure" but perhaps more formal.

a common procedure

Emphasizes the standardized or routine nature of the practice.

a standard practice

Highlights the established and accepted nature of the practice.

a typical behavior

Focuses on the characteristic or expected way of acting.

a customary procedure

Stresses the traditional or habitual nature of the practice.

a routine

Shortened version, emphasizing the habitual and predictable nature.

a normal course of action

Indicates the expected or regular sequence of steps taken.

an established norm

Highlights the acceptance and prevalence of the practice within a group.

a general trend

Focuses on the widespread occurrence of the practice.

FAQs

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

You can use "a usual practice" to describe something commonly done or accepted within a specific field or context. For example, "Peer review is "a usual practice" in academic publishing."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "a usual practice"?

Alternatives include "a common procedure", "a standard practice", or "a typical behavior", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "usual practice" or "common practice"?

"Usual practice" and "common practice" are often interchangeable. However, "usual practice" might imply a more established or traditional approach, while "common practice" simply suggests it's frequently done. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a usual practice"?

Use "a usual practice" when you want to indicate that a particular method, action, or behavior is generally accepted and routinely followed within a certain environment or profession. It is best used when you're referencing a specific group of people or type of business.