casually

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "casually" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something taking place in a relaxed or unconcerned manner. For example: "We're going to meet casually for lunch tomorrow".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He clearly has great fun satirising the casually cruel, pettily incestuous world of poetry in which self-absorption is the keynote.

The Guardian - Books

Of course they know him, and as we turn and cruise past to say hello to "Bura", he casually tosses a snake into our boat.

The Guardian

And as I stand shivering knee deep in the Atlantic ready to leap in and save her, Lydia casually surfs past me on to the shore.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Clinton's decision to drive rather than fly to Iowa, a highly unusual move for a presidential candidate – and one that does not come without risks – is being spun by her campaign as an idea that Clinton casually came up with herself.

The Guardian

Let's give the Liberal Democrats an overwhelming majority next month so that the next time Putin starts kicking off, we can send Clegg over there – his Go Ape safety harness still casually buckled to his beltloops – to sort things out the only way he knows how.

The Guardian

As he walked past Völler en route to the dressing room, he casually turned his head and flobbed the mouthful of slimy gloop he had just harvested from his nasal turbinate straight into his rival's hair.

The Guardian - Sport

I have no idea how other new parents pull this off so casually.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At times it's poised, beautiful, profound, and at others mundane and casually tolerant of cliches.

The Guardian - Books

Theresa May, backed by a casually enthusiastic prime minister on the Today programme, has suggested that a ban on some nonviolent extremist groups and speakers appearing on television and social media should be introduced.

The Guardian - Opinion

"From the point of view of republican communities, there is still a heavily armed British police force that casually uses plastic baton rounds, CS gas and Tasers, carry out house raids, stop and search operations and general harassment.

The Guardian

"We're debuting our first line of chocolate confections," says Mast. "We've been doing it sort of casually in Brooklyn, putting out a few bonbons and pastries here and there, but this is our first complete collection: small chocolates with various ganaches made with single-origin, single-estate cocoa beans".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's attire, use "casually" to convey a relaxed, informal style of dress. For example, 'He was casually dressed in jeans and a t-shirt'.

Common error

While "casually" is appropriate in many contexts, overuse can make your writing seem less professional. In formal documents or business communications, consider using more precise adverbs to convey your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "casually" primarily functions to modify verbs, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. It signifies that an action is carried out in a relaxed, informal, or seemingly unintentional way. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage aligns with standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

14%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "casually" is a versatile adverb used to describe actions performed in a relaxed, informal, or unintentional manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts. Its primary function is to modify verbs, conveying a sense of ease or lack of concern. While appropriate in many situations, it's important to consider the tone and formality of your writing to ensure its use aligns with your intended message. Semantically related alternatives include "nonchalantly", "informally", and "lightly", each offering subtle nuances. Remember to avoid overuse, especially in formal writing, to maintain a professional tone. "Casually" appears most frequently in News & Media sources, with significant presence in Formal & Business and Science contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Nonchalantly

Emphasizes a lack of concern or enthusiasm.

Informally

Highlights the absence of strict rules or formality.

Relaxedly

Focuses on the ease and lack of tension in the manner.

Inadvertently

Suggests the action was unintentional or accidental.

Offhandedly

Indicates a dismissive or unconcerned tone.

Without ceremony

Highlights the absence of formal procedures or rituals.

Without thinking

Emphasizes a lack of forethought or consideration.

Lightly

Indicates a lack of seriousness or depth.

Unceremoniously

Stresses the lack of formality and politeness.

Unpremeditatedly

Focuses on the absence of planning or prior thought.

FAQs

How can I use "casually" in a sentence?

You can use "casually" to describe actions done in a relaxed or informal manner. For instance, "He casually mentioned his promotion during our coffee break."

What words can I use instead of "casually"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "nonchalantly", "informally", or "lightly".

Is it appropriate to use "casually" in formal writing?

While "casually" is generally acceptable, formal writing might benefit from more precise alternatives to maintain a professional tone. Consider using more descriptive adverbs when appropriate.

What does it mean to "casually" dismiss something?

To "casually" dismiss something means to reject it without serious consideration, often implying a lack of concern or respect. For example, "The manager casually dismissed the employee's concerns about workload."