a usual thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a usual thing" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize that something is common or typical in a particular situation or context. Example: Going to the beach on weekends is a usual thing for many people who live near the coast.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"Unfortunately that's a usual thing for do-it-yourself spaces".

The New York Times

"This is a usual thing with companies, especially start-ups," said Ron Bourquin, Cardima's chief financial officer.

The New York Times

"I always knew that I had that attraction to guys, but I just thought that was a usual thing, being attracted to guys and girls.

The Guardian - Sport

Despite the drizzle, which is a usual thing, the race proceeded, and the winner was an outsider which meant a profit for the bookie, because the favorite is always heavily backed.

The New Yorker

"Innovation centres such as Skolkovo are a usual thing in many countries.

TechCrunch

Your brain is telling you this is not a usual thing, and it's not".

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It's an usual thing to say, but the state of the world right now is static: there's no real desire for change anymore.

Vice

Shamelessly rich, these recipes are a bit of a departure from my usual thing.

Independent

If you had to draw one, you'd probably do the usual thing: a sort of fried egg with a nucleus yolk and a couple of ribosomes peppered around, maybe a rough endoplasmic reticulum if you're fancy.

TechCrunch

"We thought it was an embassy, an airplane, something, the usual thing".

The New York Times

We thought it was an embassy, an airplane, something, the usual thing, but to realize they were going to take airplanes and destroy [buildings], that is unbelievable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a usual thing" to normalize a situation or action, making it seem less exceptional or surprising.

Common error

Avoid using "a usual thing" excessively in your writing, as it can make your descriptions sound monotonous. Vary your language by using synonyms like "typical event" or "common occurrence" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a usual thing" acts as a noun phrase, functioning as a predicate nominative or object complement to describe something that is commonplace or typical. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and suitable for use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a usual thing" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something common or expected. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, its neutral register makes it more suitable for informal or general contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media sources. Consider using synonyms for more formal or precise language. Avoid overusing the phrase to maintain clarity and engagement in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common occurrence

Focuses on the frequency of the event rather than its general nature.

a typical event

Highlights the representativeness of the event.

a standard practice

Emphasizes the adherence to a norm or procedure.

a routine matter

Suggests something is handled as part of a regular process.

a normal situation

Indicates that the circumstances are not unusual or unexpected.

a frequent phenomenon

Highlights how often the event happens.

business as usual

Implies that operations are continuing in the customary way, despite disruptions.

par for the course

Indicates that something is to be expected, often in a negative context.

the norm

Simply refers to what is considered typical or standard.

nothing out of the ordinary

Emphasizes the lack of unusual or remarkable aspects.

FAQs

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

You can use "a usual thing" to describe something common or expected. For example, "Traffic jams are "a usual thing" during rush hour."

What's a synonym for "a usual thing"?

Alternatives to "a usual thing" include "a common occurrence", "a typical event", or "a standard practice", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a usual thing" or "a normal thing"?

Both "a usual thing" and "a normal thing" are acceptable. "A usual thing" emphasizes frequency, while "a normal thing" highlights conformity to a standard. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

Can "a usual thing" be used in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a usual thing" is generally more suited for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "a common occurrence" or "a typical event" for enhanced clarity.