higher than usual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "higher than usual" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a certain quantity is greater than what is expected, typical, or customary. For example: "Due to the recent spike in demand, our prices are higher than usual."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

The 47s flew higher than usual to get there.

The New Yorker

"It's 8 to 10 times higher than usual," he said.

The New York Times

Mercedes's children were medically complicated, so the payments were higher than usual.

The New Yorker

After he defeated the Yankees yesterday, Schilling said he was a little higher than usual.

The New York Times - Sports

The percentage of patients with such antibodies to Axokine seems higher than usual.

The New York Times

Observers in Canada and Alaska have noted higher than usual numbers of lightning strikes.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

State officials said a higher-than-usual turnout, about 65percentt of those registered, voted today.

The New York Times

Studies have shown increased health risks stem from higher-than-usual amounts of sulfur dioxide emissions.

The Washington Post

Inconveniently, the apartments were also advertised as having higher-than-usual ceilings.

The New York Times

A higher-than-usual concentration of homeless people have been recently seen in Pennsylvania Station.

The New York Times

So the store stocks a higher-than-usual quantity of toilet seats and shower heads.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing statistical data, consider using "higher than usual" to indicate a statistically significant deviation from the average. This adds clarity and emphasizes the importance of the variance.

Common error

Avoid using "higher than usual" when you actually mean "superior" or "better". "Higher than usual" describes a quantity or level, not an improvement in quality. For example, do not write "The quality of service was higher than usual" if you mean "The quality of service was excellent".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "higher than usual" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is greater or more elevated than what is normally expected. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "higher than usual" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something exceeds its typical or expected level. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific reporting. While it effectively communicates a deviation from the norm, it's important not to confuse it with terms denoting superior quality. By understanding its function and communicative purpose, writers can use "higher than usual" with precision and clarity in their writing. The related phrases provided offer alternative ways to express similar concepts, catering to various levels of formality and statistical precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more elevated than normal

Replaces "usual" with "normal", and "higher" with "more elevated", slightly increasing formality.

above the average level

Uses "average level" instead of "usual", providing a statistical nuance.

exceeding the typical amount

Substitutes "higher" with "exceeding" and "usual" with "typical amount", emphasizing the surpassing of a standard quantity.

greater than the standard

Replaces "higher" with "greater" and "usual" with "standard", offering a more direct comparison to a defined benchmark.

more pronounced than customary

Uses "more pronounced" in place of "higher", shifting the focus to the degree of visibility or impact; "customary" replaces "usual".

beyond the expected range

Replaces "higher" with "beyond" and "usual" with "expected range", suggesting a transgression of anticipated limits.

an increase over baseline

Employs scientific language, using "increase" and "baseline" for precise measurement comparison.

out of the ordinary

This alternative is an idiom and conveys the idea of being exceptional or uncommon.

uncharacteristically high

This alternative directly describes something as unexpectedly high compared to its typical state.

atypically elevated

Uses "atypically" to stress the deviation from the norm and "elevated" to suggest a raised level.

FAQs

How can I use "higher than usual" in a sentence?

You can use "higher than usual" to describe something that is more elevated or greater than what is typically expected. For example, "The pollen count today is "higher than usual", so take allergy precautions."

What are some alternatives to saying "higher than usual"?

Alternatives to "higher than usual" include "above average", "more than typical", or "exceeding the norm". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "higher than usual"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "higher than usual". It follows standard English grammar rules for comparative adjectives and is widely accepted in both formal and informal contexts, according to Ludwig.

What's the difference between "higher than usual" and "above average"?

"Higher than usual" and "above average" are quite similar, but "higher than usual" often implies a comparison to a subjective sense of normalcy, while "above average" more directly references a statistical mean. Both terms describe something exceeding the norm.