at a usual time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a usual time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a time that is typical or expected for a particular event or activity. Example: "We usually meet at a usual time every Wednesday for our team discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Other movements described as unusual included pain, hiccups and occasionally movements not occurring at a "usual time".

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The story, within the frame of a live television show -- "Bonanza will return next week at its usual time," a voice-over informs us -- recapitulates the rocky partnership of Pete and Keely, a once-married singing duo in the Steve and Eydie mode, whose romance peaked and crumbled along with their career fortunes.

The New York Times

She was so unfailing in her habit that if she did not drive up in her Cadillac at her usual time, a restaurant employee would call her house to check on her.

The New York Times

On enrollment, usually around GW9, pregnant women were randomly assigned to receive an early invitation to begin food supplementation (started in the first trimester) or an invitation at the usual time (started in the second trimester).

Environmental Health Perspectives

It aired at the usual time for an episode as the first hour in a two-hour special evening with "Nationals" as the second hour.

Wikipedia

The film will probably disappear from video-on-demand menus after a couple of weeks, before reappearing at a less eye-watering price at the usual time.

The Economist

George Papadopoulos, 24, got from 30th Street in Astoria, Queens, to his job as a global markets analyst in Manhattan at the usual time, suffering only slightly from an overcrowded train when an influx of passengers hopped on at Queensboro Plaza.

The New York Times

After the final day shift, the subjects were scheduled to sleep that night at their usual time, had a free day, and then began the first night shift 32 hours after the end of the last day shift.

Plosone

He awoke at his usual time and ate breakfast with his wife and four children.

The New York Times

Further, the trial gives rise to a pragmatic opportunity to examine whether, among the same patient population, immediate ('fast-track') physiotherapy results in a long-term reduction in arm pain and disability, compared with physiotherapy delivered at the usual time – typically, after a waiting list period of 6 8 weeks.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Make sure they are still getting up and going to bed at the usual time and have a clear structure to the day otherwise it will be very difficult for them to return.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at a usual time", ensure the context clearly establishes what is considered 'usual'. Ambiguity can arise if the reader is unaware of the established routine or expectation.

Common error

Avoid using "at a usual time" when referring to something that only happens once or doesn't have a regular schedule. Instead, describe the specific time or use phrases like "at the scheduled time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a usual time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the timing of an action or event. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it indicates that something occurs at the expected or typical time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at a usual time" is a versatile adverbial phrase that specifies the timing of events, indicating they occur according to established routines or expectations. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including News & Media and Science. When using "at a usual time", it is important to ensure the context clarifies what is considered 'usual' to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "at the regular time" or "as scheduled" can offer similar meanings with subtle differences. In essence, "at a usual time" serves to provide a sense of normalcy and predictability in describing when something happens.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the regular hour

Focuses on the time being part of a set routine.

at the typical hour

Highlights that the timing is representative of a normal occurrence.

at the normal hour

Indicates the timing aligns with what is considered standard or average.

at the accustomed hour

Suggests the time is one that is customary or habitual.

at the expected hour

Stresses that the timing aligns with anticipations or pre-set expectations.

at the ordinary hour

Emphasizes that the time is commonplace and not out of the ordinary.

on schedule

Implies adherence to a predetermined timetable or plan.

as per usual

Emphasizes that things are happening in the same way as they normally do.

routinely

Highlights that the action happens as a matter of routine.

by the clock

Emphasizes that things happen on time and like clockwork.

FAQs

How can I use "at a usual time" in a sentence?

You can use "at a usual time" to indicate that something occurs at its expected or typical time. For example, "The meeting will be held at a usual time this week."

What's a good alternative to "at a usual time"?

Alternatives include "at the regular time", "at the expected time", or "as scheduled", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "at the usual time" instead of "at a usual time"?

Both "at a usual time" and "at the usual time" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "At the usual time" implies a specific, previously defined time, while "at a usual time" implies a generally expected time.

How does "at a usual time" differ from "on time"?

"On time" refers to adhering to a specific schedule or deadline. "At a usual time" refers to something happening when it typically does, which may or may not be tied to a strict schedule.