as a norm

USAGE SUMMARY

"as a norm" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate something is generally done or accepted. For example: "As a norm, coffee is served with cream and sugar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But we don't accept anything below this as a norm.

The New York Times

But that is because marriage is disappearing as a norm.

The Economist

Now, Turner imagines those numbers as a norm.

The Washington Post

Shouldn't we be promoting ­happiness as a norm, rather than an aberration?

The Guardian - Opinion

I want to see society rail against this, not accept it as a norm.

The Guardian

It's variously referred to as a "norm," "tradition" or "custom" within the department.

The Washington Post

By reading each others stories, they were able to understand harassment as a problem, rather than as a norm.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

When treats become so regular, they underscore overeating as a norm, not a celebratory exception, Dr. Schwartz said.

The New York Times - Health

Or is it that he floats unwittingly on the rising tide of inequity seeing each new level as a norm?

The Guardian

Luther explicitly rejected the use of the to him purely spiritual New Testament as a norm for social reform.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Working for free, however, is not something we should accept as a norm that media companies can exploit.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a norm" to describe established practices, behaviors, or standards within a specific context, such as in professional settings or cultural environments. Be sure the context is clear so the norm is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "as a norm" to describe practices that are not widely accepted or are only applicable to a limited group. Providing specific context prevents misinterpretations and ensures clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a norm" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that something is generally accepted or practiced. Ludwig examples confirm its use across various contexts to describe typical behaviors, standards, or expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a norm" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to describe practices or behaviors that are generally accepted or typical within a specific context. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media, scientific, and formal business settings. While generally neutral in register, its formality can vary depending on the specific context. When using "as a norm", ensure the context is clear to avoid overgeneralization and to promote clear understanding. Alternatives include "typically", "usually", and "generally", offering slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

typically

This alternative is a single-word adverb that directly indicates something happens in a typical manner.

usually

This alternative is a synonym for "typically" and implies something happens in the majority of cases.

generally

This alternative emphasizes the widespread or common nature of something.

in general

This alternative suggests a broad overview or common trend.

customarily

This alternative indicates something is done according to custom or tradition.

ordinarily

This alternative suggests something happens in the normal course of events.

by and large

This alternative implies that something is true for the most part, even if there are exceptions.

on average

This alternative focuses on statistical centrality or the mean.

for the most part

This alternative conveys that something is true or happens in the majority of instances.

more often than not

This alternative suggests that something is more likely to happen than not happen.

FAQs

How can I use "as a norm" in a sentence?

You can use "as a norm" to describe something generally accepted or practiced. For instance, "In this company, arriving early for meetings is seen "as a norm"".

What are some alternatives to "as a norm"?

Alternatives include "typically", "usually", or "generally", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "as a norm" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider whether a more formal synonym like "typically" or "customarily" might be more suitable in highly formal contexts. The appropriateness depends on the specific tone and audience.

How does "as a norm" differ from "as a standard"?

"As a norm" refers to common practice, while "as a standard" implies a required or expected level of quality or performance. For example, "meeting deadlines is seen "as a norm"", versus "meeting deadlines is seen "as a standard"".