but usually

USAGE SUMMARY

"but usually" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that something is generally or typically the case, or to contrast an idea with what is expected. For example: I'm usually an early riser, but usually by 9:00 am I'm already tired.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But usually they're lovely".

The New York Times

But usually they're accidents.

The New York Times

But usually not.

The Guardian

But usually they just endure.

The New York Times

But usually something comes up.

The Economist

"But usually, people are nice.

Independent

But usually he was alone.

The New Yorker

But usually, that's not right.

The New York Times

But usually both.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But usually... SPACEY.

The New York Times

But usually they relate.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but usually" to introduce a contrast or exception to a general statement or common occurrence. This helps to provide a balanced view and avoid overgeneralizations.

Common error

Avoid using "but usually" repeatedly in a short span of writing. This can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing your sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but usually" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It serves to introduce a contrast or exception to a general statement or expectation. As Ludwig AI underlines, it's a common way to qualify a previous statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but usually" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that introduces a contrast to a general statement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most commonly found in news and media, but also appears across a variety of other contexts. To avoid repetition, consider using synonyms like "however typically" or "yet generally". When using "but usually", aim to add depth and balance to your writing by presenting exceptions or deviations from the norm.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however typically

Replaces "but" with "however", maintaining the contrast, and "usually" with "typically", keeping the meaning of a common occurrence.

yet generally

Uses "yet" instead of "but" for contrast and "generally" for "usually", slightly altering the tone.

though normally

Substitutes "but" with "though" for a softer contrast and "usually" with "normally", keeping the sense of standard practice.

although commonly

Replaces "but" with "although" to introduce a subordinate clause, and "usually" with "commonly", emphasizing frequency.

in most cases though

This phrase expresses the idea of something happening frequently while introducing an exception.

more often than not

Emphasizes the frequency of one outcome over others.

as a rule

Indicates a general principle or tendency, similar to "usually".

ordinarily speaking

Introduces what typically occurs, akin to "usually".

by and large

Highlights a general statement with the possibility of exceptions, comparable to "usually".

on average

Emphasizes what is typical or expected based on statistical tendency.

FAQs

How can I use "but usually" in a sentence?

The phrase "but usually" is used to introduce a contrast to something that generally happens. For example, "I prefer coffee, but usually drink tea in the afternoon".

What are some alternatives to "but usually"?

You can use alternatives like "however typically", "yet generally", or "though normally" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "but usually" and "but normally"?

While "but usually" and "but normally" are similar, "but usually" emphasizes a common occurrence, while "but normally" refers to what is expected under normal circumstances. The distinction is subtle, and they are often interchangeable.

Can I start a sentence with "but usually"?

Starting a sentence with "but usually" is grammatically correct, particularly in informal writing, but it's often considered stylistically weaker than including it within the sentence. Consider alternatives or revising the sentence structure.