habitual

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'habitual' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word 'habitual' to describe an action or behavior that is repeated regularly. For example, "John had a habitual habit of arriving late to work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tsotie's habitual warm smile is notably absent as she talks about the erstwhile occupant of room number six.

The Guardian

Downing Street also promised to strengthen the test people have to pass to see if they are eligible to claim income-related benefits – the so called habitual residence test which ensures that the UK is a person's main residence.

The Guardian

First, their Shaking The Habitual show is introduced by a flamboyant exercise instructor getting the crowd to do a bizarre warm-up for the gig: "All the guys, I want your balls to bounce – are your balls bouncing?

The Guardian - Music

It tells the story of lovable rogue Fletch (Ronnie Barker) – "an habitual criminal who accepts arrest as an occupational hazard" – and his attempts to serve his five-year sentence, keep his nose clean ish) and outwit the system at HMP Slade.

The Guardian

"The evidence demonstrates that voicemail interception, as well as the unlawful obtaining of personal information by blagging or use of private investigators, was in widespread and habitual use by a large number of journalists across all three MGN titles".

The Guardian

Moss has previously lost modelling contracts after allegations that she was an habitual cocaine user.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Tom Storey, prosecuting, said the defendant was a habitual cannabis user who had been banned from driving many years ago and since getting his new car had never bothered having a lesson and failed his theory test three times.

The Guardian

EU citizens, following previous court rulings, are not currently required to pass the habitual residence test, and there appears to be no plan in the Cameron speech to change this.

The Guardian

European law says that before EU citizens who are "not active in the labour market" become eligible for social security benefits, they have to pass a strict "habitual residence test" proving that they have a genuine link with the UK.

The Guardian

The spokesman said that, although the European commission is objecting to the way Britain applies the habitual residence test, the government does not accept the objections raised by the commission.

The Guardian

After all, one of the habitual recognitions of academics, at least in its more critical disciplines, is that the pursuit of knowledge and understanding can so quickly dissipate into meaninglessness.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "habitual" to describe actions or behaviors that are consistently repeated, especially when emphasizing the routine or ingrained nature of the behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "habitual" interchangeably with "frequent". "Habitual" implies a deeply ingrained pattern or routine, while "frequent" simply means occurring often. For example, a "habitual liar" consistently lies, while a "frequent visitor" simply visits often.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "habitual" primarily functions to modify nouns, describing actions, behaviors, or characteristics that are done regularly or by force of habit. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. Examples include "habitual warm smile" and "habitual cannabis user."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "habitual" is a versatile adjective used to describe actions or behaviors that are performed regularly and consistently. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage in English. It is frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as in formal and business settings. To ensure correct usage, it is important to differentiate "habitual" from similar terms like "frequent" and "usual", focusing on the ingrained, routine nature of the behavior. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively and accurately use "habitual" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

customary

Emphasizes adherence to established customs or practices.

regular

Focuses on the consistent occurrence of something.

usual

Highlights what is typically or normally expected.

wonted

Stresses a person's characteristic behavior or way of doing things.

recurring

Emphasizes the repetition of an action or event.

repeated

Highlights the action of doing something again.

chronic

Implies a long-lasting or persistent nature, often in a negative context.

ingrained

Suggests that a habit or belief is deeply established.

inveterate

Describes someone who is firmly established in a habit or practice, often negative.

addicted

Implies a compulsive need or dependence on something.

FAQs

How do you use "habitual" in a sentence?

Use "habitual" to describe something done regularly as a habit. For example, "He is a "habitual smoker"" or "Her "habitual lateness" frustrated her colleagues."

What is a synonym for "habitual"?

Synonyms for "habitual" include "customary", "regular", "usual", and "wonted". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "habitual" and "usual"?

"Habitual" implies a behavior that is ingrained or repeated out of habit, whereas "usual" simply means what is typical or expected. A "habitual offender" repeatedly commits crimes, while a "usual occurrence" is something that happens regularly.

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

Yes, "habitual" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a well-established word with a clear meaning and can be used in academic, professional, and journalistic contexts to describe regularly repeated behaviors or actions.