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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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but usually normal

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but usually normal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is typically or generally considered normal, with the implication that there may be exceptions. Example: "The weather in this region is unpredictable, but usually normal for this time of year."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This group were the most extensively investigated before a genetic diagnosis was sought, and fasting CSF glucose was frequently low in affected individuals with a more complex phenotype associated with seizures but usually normal with a movement disorder alone.

Science

Brain

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Perfusion is usually normal, but a subendocardial defect may be seen.

The scrotum, testes and testicular function are usually normal, but then instead of a penis there is just fleshy nothingness like a pantless Ken doll.

News & Media

Vice

Appearance at birth and birth weight are usually normal, but growth is typically slowed by the age of one year [23].

Science

Plosone

The overlying skin is usually normal but may occasionally be indurated.

Typically, patients are referred to neurologists, but gross testing is usually normal.

Disorders of Müllerian development are another group of 46,XX DSD, and in these cases, ovarian function is usually normal but often associated with cloacal anomalies and other characteristic malformations.

Babies are cute, and men are usually normal looking — but when you swap their heads, the results are truly terrifying.

News & Media

TechCrunch

Liver transaminases can be increased as much as 100-fold, but the bilirubin level is usually normal or mildly raised.

IgA levels are usually normal in AHEI, but elevated in HSP.

For the other parameters for infections: White blood cell count is usually normal in pregnancy, but the number of neutrophils can increase.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but usually normal" to introduce a contrasting or unexpected element while still affirming that normalcy is the typical condition. This is particularly effective in scientific or medical contexts to describe conditions where atypical results may occur.

Common error

Avoid using "but usually normal" when the situation is almost always normal. This can create confusion or suggest a problem where one doesn't typically exist. Instead, reserve this phrase for situations where deviations from normalcy are noteworthy or require explanation.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

73%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but usually normal" serves as a conjunction linking two contrasting ideas: a specific situation and a general expectation of normalcy. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in describing medical conditions, test results, and developmental stages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but usually normal" effectively introduces a contrast between a particular circumstance and a general expectation of normalcy. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and very commonly used across a variety of contexts, but is mostly dominant in scientific and medical domains. When using this phrase, ensure that the contrast is meaningful and that the deviation from normalcy warrants explanation. Related alternatives like "but typically normal" and "but generally normal" can provide variety in your writing. Also, exercise caution to avoid overstating the normality when the situation is already almost always expected.

FAQs

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

You can use "but usually normal" to contrast a specific instance with the typical condition, for example: "The test results were slightly elevated, but usually normal for a patient with this condition."

What's a good alternative to "but usually normal"?

Consider alternatives such as "but typically normal" or "but generally normal" if you want to vary your phrasing while maintaining a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "but normally" instead of "but usually normal"?

Yes, "but normally" is a shorter and equally correct alternative. It conveys the same idea of contrasting an exception with a typical state.

When should I avoid using "but usually normal"?

Avoid using it when describing situations where the condition is almost always normal. It's better suited for scenarios where deviations from normal are significant enough to warrant a contrast, but where the starting expectation is normal.

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Source & Trust

73%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: