business as normal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "business as normal" is not correct; the correct expression is "business as usual." You can use it to indicate that operations or activities are continuing as they normally would, despite any changes or disruptions.
Example: "Despite the recent challenges, it's business as usual at the office, and we are meeting all our deadlines."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

"Business as normal".

Independent

You've got to get to business as normal.

The New York Times - Sports

Mughal said Twitter continues with "business as normal".

The Guardian - Tech

Outside, on Chaweng strip, it's business as normal.

The Guardian - Travel

Lower Manhattan went about its business as normal.

The New York Times

For property owners who aren't in any hurry to buy or sell it's business as normal.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

He said his business yesterday was "as normal as any other day".

The New York Times

Critics also asked why the amendments were introduced into parliament in a private member's bill, rather than as government business, as would be normal for weighty matters of state.For now, at least, the EU's mutterings seem of little concern to Mr Orban.

The Economist

"The administrators are continuing to trade the businesses as normal while we assess the trading strategy over the coming days and weeks.

The Guardian - Business

It says that it is current on its debt obligations, including a $700 million credit line that comes due next July, though Foxwoods has an interest payment due Sept. 1. "We have sufficient resources to continue to operate our businesses as normal, and it will be business as usual," a spokesman for the tribe said in a statement.

The New York Times

You have the 30 million agents, and then let's have a business-as-usual normal commute, let's have a snowstorm, let's shut down a couple of train lines, or have a terrorist incident, an earthquake, and so on".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In spoken language, "business as normal" is acceptable and understandable due to its frequency in news and media.

Common error

Don't assume that widespread usage equates to grammatical correctness. While "business as normal" is common, always double-check for proper grammar in formal contexts, especially when clarity and precision are paramount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions as an idiomatic expression or a fixed phrase indicating that activities are proceeding in a typical manner, despite any disruptions. It acts as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, as shown in Ludwig's examples. However, it is considered grammatically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

11%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "business as normal" is a widely used expression, particularly in news and media, intended to convey that activities are continuing in a typical manner despite any disruptions. However, Ludwig AI analysis reveals that it is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "business as usual". While its frequent use makes it acceptable in informal contexts, formal writing should opt for the grammatically correct alternative to maintain credibility. Consider using synonyms like "normal operations" or "status quo" for enhanced precision and adherence to grammatical standards.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

business as usual

This is the grammatically correct and most common alternative, implying operations continue without significant change.

status quo

Refers to the existing state of affairs, suggesting no changes have occurred.

normal operations

Emphasizes the continuation of standard operational procedures.

routine activities

Highlights the everyday, typical actions that are ongoing.

customary practice

Focuses on established and traditional ways of doing things.

usual procedure

Indicates that the standard process is being followed.

regular order

Implies a return to the established and consistent pattern of activities.

things as they were

Suggests a return to a previous state, often after a disruption.

same old routine

Highlights the unchanging and potentially monotonous nature of activities.

typical day

Focuses on the ordinary and unremarkable aspects of daily activities.

FAQs

Is "business as normal" grammatically correct?

No, the grammatically correct phrase is "business as usual". While "business as normal" is frequently used, it's considered incorrect in formal writing.

When should I use "business as normal" versus "business as usual"?

In formal writing and professional settings, it's best to use "business as usual". "Business as normal" may be acceptable in informal contexts or casual conversation due to its common usage.

What does "business as normal" mean?

It means that operations or activities are continuing in their regular, expected manner, despite any disruptions or changes. The more accurate phrase is "business as usual".

Are there synonyms for "business as normal" that I can use?

Yes, alternatives include "normal operations", "status quo", or "routine activities". However, the most direct and grammatically correct synonym is "business as usual".