a usual step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a usual step" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when referring to a step that is typical or standard in a process, but "usual" is not the best choice of word in this context. Example: "Taking a break after a long meeting is a usual step in our workflow."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The sending of a document setting out the commission's concerns about a deal is a usual step in a second-stage review.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

On Tuesday the 32-strong council of governors – a collection of academics, local parents and doctors – will decide whether to remove Hughes permanently from the hospital board: an usual step in the NHS, where hospital trust chairs often act to dismiss board members.

The Guardian

That's in part why I was interested when I heard that the community in Pleasantville, N.J. took an usual step this fall: The business community rallied around the recommendation of the police chief, Sean Riggin, helping to pass a referendum to pay for ShotSpotter, the gunfire detection technology I wrote about a few months ago.

Forbes

Latt et al. reported that the best overall stability was achieved with an individual's usual step length and cadence [ 9].

Clinical Oral Investigations

Next a method for the preliminary sizing of weights is shown, obtained starting from a more usual step-by-step procedure typically adopted for ICE-propelled aircraft.

Aerospace Science and Technology

As described above, the frequency shift applied by the D-ODL occurs directly in the wavenumber domain, and thus the only processing step required is that the time-encoded photocurrent to resampled to be linear in wavenumber, a usual processing step in SSOCT.

Biomedical Optics Express

150-odd years before the story opens there was a huge revolution – but instead of taking the more usual step of hanging their oppressors from lampposts, a large number of the revolutionaries fled to set up their own ideal society.

The Guardian - Books

Meislin was not assigned another foreign post or sent to Washington, D.C., which would be a usual next step.

Huffington Post

All that is required is that the time-encoded photocurrent be resampled to be linear in wavenumber, which is a usual processing step in SSOCT.

Biomedical Optics Express

Earlier this year, employees at a Toronto branch of Canna Clinic took the usual step of unionizing to protect themselves, but the shop has been raided by police multiple times since then.

Vice

Instead of taking the usual step of adding desirable components to a product, you try to remove them.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing processes, consider stronger alternatives like "typical", "common", or "standard" to enhance clarity and impact. Using these variations makes your writing sound more professional and precise.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "usual" in formal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound less sophisticated than alternatives such as "standard" or "typical", which provide a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a usual step" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as an object or complement within a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing actions that are routine or part of a common process.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a usual step" is grammatically correct but may sound less refined than alternatives like "a typical step" or "a common step". As Ludwig highlights, while the phrase is understandable, it's infrequently used, primarily appearing in news and scientific contexts. When writing, consider whether stronger, more precise alternatives would enhance clarity and impact. Although acceptable, over-reliance on "a usual step" can make your writing sound less polished. Choosing alternatives can lend greater sophistication to your style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a typical step

Replaces "usual" with "typical", emphasizing the commonality of the step.

a common step

Substitutes "usual" with "common", highlighting the frequency of the step.

a standard procedure

Replaces the whole phrase with a more formal term emphasizing established practice.

a routine action

Emphasizes the habitual nature of the step.

a customary measure

Highlights that the step is in accordance with custom or tradition.

a normal course of action

Indicates that the step is what would ordinarily be expected.

a conventional method

Suggests the step follows established conventions or norms.

an expected practice

Focuses on the anticipation of this step within a process.

a regular process

Indicates the step is part of a process and predictable.

a wonted practice

Replaces “usual” with “wonted” emphasizing that the practice is according to custom.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "a usual step"?

You can use alternatives like "a typical step", "a common step", or "a standard procedure" depending on the context.

Is "a usual step" grammatically correct?

Yes, the phrase "a usual step" is grammatically correct, but it may sound slightly awkward or less polished than alternatives in some contexts. Ludwig AI confirms this.

When is it appropriate to use "a usual step"?

It is appropriate to use "a usual step" when describing a step that is typical or standard in a process. However, consider using stronger alternatives like "typical" or "common" for increased clarity.

Which sounds better, "a usual step" or "the usual step"?

While both are grammatically correct, "the usual step" often sounds more natural, especially when referring to a specific, well-known step. For example, "He took the usual step of checking the oil level."