he usually is

USAGE SUMMARY

"he usually is" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to someone's typical behavior or attitude. For example: "He usually is talkative and enthusiastic, but today he seems withdrawn and quiet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He usually is.

The New York Times - Sports

But he usually is.

The Economist

He usually is right.

The Guardian - Sport

When weird happens, he usually is.

The New York Times - Sports

When he is — and he usually is — the Patriots win.

The New York Times - Sports

He usually is, and it is usually the same thing.

Independent

"But he isn't as dull as he usually is".

The New York Times

When any criticism is brought up, one is immediately told how smart he (usually) is.

The New York Times

Fans really dislike Bettman – he usually is booed when he shows up at games.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He usually was not.

The Economist

Which, indeed, was how he usually was in person.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he usually is" to describe someone's typical or expected behavior in a specific context. This provides a concise way to convey predictability.

Common error

Avoid using "he usually is" when the context requires a more nuanced or specific description of behavior. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive; vary your descriptions for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he usually is" functions as a concise way to express that a particular behavior, trait, or state is typical or habitual for a specific individual. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, as evidenced by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he usually is" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate that a particular behavior or characteristic is typical of someone. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples from diverse sources. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it serves to convey predictability and expectation. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse for varied expression. Consider alternatives like "that's typical of him" or "it's what he normally does" for nuanced descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's typical of him

Emphasizes that the behavior is characteristic of the person.

it's what he normally does

Focuses on the regularity of the action.

it's his usual way

Highlights the habitual nature of the behavior or approach.

he's generally like that

Indicates a common disposition or manner.

he typically behaves that way

Emphasizes the characteristic behavior in a more formal tone.

that's how he tends to be

Suggests a tendency or inclination towards a certain behavior.

it's just his style

Attributes the behavior to a personal style or preference.

that's par for the course with him

Implies the behavior is expected and not unusual for the person.

he is wont to do that

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying he is accustomed to doing it.

it is his custom

Focuses on the established habit or practice.

FAQs

How can I use "he usually is" in a sentence?

Use "he usually is" to indicate a person's typical behavior or state. For example, "He usually is very punctual, so I'm surprised he's late today."

What does "he usually is" mean?

It means that the person typically exhibits a particular characteristic or behavior. It implies a sense of regularity or expectation.

What are some alternatives to "he usually is"?

You can use alternatives like "that's typical of him", "it's what he normally does", or "he's generally like that" depending on the context.

Is there a more formal way to say "he usually is"?

Yes, you could say "he typically behaves that way" or "it is his custom" for a more formal tone.