in ordinary use

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in ordinary use" is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase "in ordinary use" would be used to indicate that something is customary or typical in most situations, and it is used to introduce a phrase that explains what is typically done in a certain situation. For example: In ordinary use, a backpack is the best way to transport a laptop.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Knox wears probably the oldest hat in ordinary use.

The New Yorker

"A dictionary of pigments not in ordinary use, and of synonyms of pigments described in part III": p. 186-200.

Yale University

As a general term, it covers all forms of garden management, but in ordinary use it refers to intensive commercial production.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Touch in ordinary use involves specialized movements and grips.

SEP

In ordinary use, the magnified image is not seen as it is blocked by polarising filters set in a companion pair of spectacles.

BBC

The vast majority of cases almost anyone without an ax to grind would want to classify as "terrorism" exhibit the two traits implied in ordinary use and highlighted by mainstream philosophical definitions such as those quoted above: violence and intimidation.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Yablo (2001) stresses, in the case of mathematical fictionalism, that in ordinary uses of mathematical sentences, we seem to assert something apriori and necessary, but it does not seem apriori and necessary that according to the fiction of standard mathematics, things stand thus-and-so.

SEP

The original statement by Workman and Reynolds that the potential barrier is at the water-ice interface means in the ordinary use of language that the potential change, which may be more than 100 volts, is a complete discontinuity there, or at best is spread over a distance of a few molecular diameters, involving an electric force of millions of volts a centimetre.

Nature

The two are connected etymologically and historically, and this connection is deeply entrenched in current ordinary use.

SEP

'Mental', as Ryle (1949) suggests, in its ordinary use is a rather grab-bag term, 'mental arithmetic', 'mental illness', etc. with which an identity theorist finds no trouble.

SEP

This use of 'looks' is usually introduced by philosophers for theoretical purposes, though some argue that it is implicit in the ordinary use of 'looks blue, 'looks square', etc.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in ordinary use" to clarify that you are referring to the common, everyday application or understanding of something, as opposed to a specialized or technical context.

Common error

Avoid using "in ordinary use" when you actually mean something intended for official, formal, or regulated contexts. "Ordinary use" implies a non-specialized, common application.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in ordinary use" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, specifying the context or manner in which something is typically employed or understood. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in ordinary use" is a prepositional phrase used to specify that a statement refers to the common or typical application of something, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's applicable across various contexts like science, news, and encyclopedias. To avoid confusion, ensure it correctly reflects common, everyday scenarios rather than specialized or official contexts. Alternatives include "in common usage" and "as generally used". This phrase is grammatically sound and serves to provide clarity by emphasizing typical application, distinguishing it from technical or regulated contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in common usage

Focuses on how something is commonly understood or applied.

as generally used

Highlights the typical way something is used.

in typical application

Emphasizes the standard or expected way something is applied.

in standard practice

Highlights the conventional or established method.

under normal circumstances

Shifts focus to the usual or expected conditions.

as a rule

Presents something as a general guideline or common occurrence.

typically speaking

Introduces a statement about what usually happens.

as is customary

Focuses on what is traditional or habitual.

in regular employment

Highlights use that is habitual or according to a set procedure.

under usual conditions

Similar to 'normal circumstances' but with a slightly different emphasis.

FAQs

How can I use "in ordinary use" in a sentence?

You can use "in ordinary use" to specify that you are referring to the typical or common application of something. For example, "In ordinary use, a screwdriver is for tightening screws."

What is a phrase similar to "in ordinary use"?

Similar phrases include "in common usage", "as generally used", or "in typical application", all of which emphasize standard or typical application.

When should I use "in ordinary use" instead of "for official purposes"?

"In ordinary use" should be used when referring to everyday, non-specialized applications. "For official purposes" indicates a formal, regulated, or authorized application.

Is "in ordinary use" interchangeable with "in regular use"?

While similar, "in regular use" emphasizes the frequency of use, whereas "in ordinary use" emphasizes the typical or common way something is used, regardless of frequency.