different as usual

USAGE SUMMARY

"different as usual" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe something that is not consistent with what one would expect. For example: "My morning commute was different as usual. The traffic was unusually heavy this morning."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

(H is quite different, as usual. For the first time he really does feel Jewish).

The Guardian

They were the same as always, and as different as usual.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

So television reporters from CNNfn, CNBC and Bloomberg stood in front of the Nasdaq's video wall as usual, facing different cameras but all talking at once.

The New York Times

continue as usual.

The New Yorker

Make it "as usual".

The New York Times

Courts sat as usual.

Independent

Life resumed as usual.

The New Yorker

Saturday began as usual.

The New York Times

"Keeping busy, as usual".

The New Yorker

Favre started as usual.

The New York Times - Sports

Well stocked, as usual.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "different as usual" to subtly convey a sense of surprise or irony when something deviates from its typical pattern. For instance, "The meeting was productive, different as usual."

Common error

Avoid using "different as usual" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise and objective language is preferred. Opt for phrases like "atypically distinct" or "uncharacteristically different" for a more suitable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "different as usual" functions as an adverbial modifier, adding a layer of nuance to a statement by indicating that something is deviating from its typical state. As Ludwig AI reports, the phrase is used to describe a situation that is not consistent with expectations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "different as usual" is an acceptable, albeit somewhat uncommon, way to express that something is deviating from its typical pattern. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English, noting its function to describe situations inconsistent with expectations. While grammatically sound and used in reputable sources like the Guardian and the New York Times, it's best suited for neutral to informal contexts. If you're aiming for a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "uncharacteristically different". Remember to use it to subtly highlight a sense of surprise or irony.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncharacteristically different

Emphasizes that the difference is not typical for the subject.

atypically distinct

Highlights the non-standard nature of the difference.

unusually dissimilar

Focuses on the unexpected degree of difference.

surprisingly varied

Highlights the unexpected variation.

distinctly uncommon

Emphasizes both the difference and rarity.

deviating from the norm

Highlights that the difference represents a departure from what's expected.

notably divergent

Stresses the significance of the difference.

out of the ordinary

Focuses on the unusual nature of the difference.

singularly unique

Emphasizes the uniqueness of the difference.

anomalously diverse

Highlights the irregular diversity observed.

FAQs

How can I use "different as usual" in a sentence?

You can use "different as usual" to describe a situation or behavior that deviates from the expected norm. For example: "The train was on time, different as usual."

What's a more formal alternative to "different as usual"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "uncharacteristically different" or "atypically distinct".

Is "different than usual" grammatically correct compared to "different as usual"?

While "different than" is common in American English, "different as usual" is an acceptable alternative, though less frequent. The best choice depends on context and desired formality.

When should I avoid using the phrase "different as usual"?

Avoid using "different as usual" in highly formal writing or when precise, objective language is needed. In such cases, opt for more descriptive and less colloquial alternatives.