are normally open

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are normally open" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state or condition that is typically in an open position, often in the context of switches, doors, or systems. Example: "In this circuit, the safety switches are normally open, allowing the system to function only when activated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Banks in Egypt are normally open to the public until 5pm and close on the Friday-Saturday weekend.

The Guardian

The stores will close at midnight, despite the fact that they are normally open 24 hours, to reopen at 5am.

Independent

The 10th-floor galleries of the auction house's Upper East Side building are normally open to the public in the days leading up to an auction.

The New York Times

"In this case, the applicable law provides that records of the Court of Common Pleas are normally open to the public and shall be sealed only for extraordinary reasons," Judge Tressler said in his written opinion.

The New York Times

Other posts that are normally open on Sunday, but were closed on Sunday, August 4, were due to reopen for normal operations on August 5, including: Dhaka, Algiers, Nouakchott, Kabul, Herat, Mazar el Sharif, Baghdad, Basrah, and Erbil.

The Guardian

The legislation capitalized on the idea that crowd-funding could help boost the economy by kickstarting investments in small, innovative and risky companies that are normally open only to sophisticated investors like venture capitalists. .

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Sheila Newby, an officer in the Security Office of the Education Department, said the doors, which are normally opened 24 hours a day, were indeed locked for about 1 1/2 hours on Thursday.

The Washington Post

"It's normally open till 11 p.m., but we're not under normal circumstances".

The New York Times

The statue is normally open seven days a week.

The New York Times

The lab is normally open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The New York Times - Health

Prerequisites: This course is normally open only to Ph.D. students in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning and Design.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the standard operational state of a system or process, use "are normally open" to clearly indicate the expected default condition. This is particularly useful in technical manuals or safety instructions.

Common error

Avoid assuming "normally" implies 'always'. Instead, recognize that while something "are normally open", there may be specific conditions or exceptions where this is not the case.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are normally open" functions as a descriptive phrase indicating the typical state of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes a standard condition, often used to describe the default status of various systems, like switches or doors.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are normally open" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the typical or default state of something, often referring to systems or mechanisms. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to establish a baseline understanding. The phrase's register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts from news to science. While it's important to be aware that "normally" doesn't equate to "always", understanding its scope is crucial for accurate communication. Alternatives like "typically", "generally", or "usually open" can be used to achieve similar meaning, as per the examples listed. Given the frequency and correctness of "are normally open", it is safe to say that's a useful and effective phrase in your written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are typically open

Replaces "normally" with "typically", suggesting what usually happens.

are generally open

Substitutes "normally" with "generally", implying a common but not necessarily universal condition.

are usually open

Replaces "normally" with "usually", indicating a high probability of being open.

are ordinarily open

Uses "ordinarily" instead of "normally", suggesting a customary or regular state.

are commonly open

Substitutes "normally" with "commonly", emphasizing frequency of being open.

are regularly open

Replaces "normally" with "regularly", highlighting the consistent nature of being open.

are frequently open

Uses "frequently" instead of "normally", stressing the often occurrence.

are characteristically open

Substitutes "normally" with "characteristically", indicating a distinctive trait.

are by default open

Indicates that being open is the default or initial state.

are customarily open

Replaces "normally" with "customarily", suggesting a traditional or habitual state.

FAQs

How can I use "are normally open" in a sentence?

You can use "are normally open" to describe a typical state. For example: "The stadium gates "are normally open" an hour before the game starts".

What is a good alternative to "are normally open"?

Alternatives include "are typically open", "are generally open", or "are usually open", depending on the context.

Which is more appropriate, "are normally open" or "are always open"?

"Are normally open" implies a typical state, while "are always open" indicates a constant state without exception. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the situation.

What does "are normally open" mean in a technical context?

In a technical context, "are normally open" often refers to a default state of a switch or valve, meaning it allows flow or connection unless actively closed. For example: "The relay contacts "are normally open" until the circuit is energized".