is a standard procedure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a standard procedure" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing a commonly accepted method or practice in a specific context. For example, "Submitting a report at the end of each month is a standard procedure in our department." Alternative expressions include "is a common practice" and "is a typical process."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Quantum teleportation is a standard procedure in quantum optics laboratories all over the world.

MIT Technology Review

"It is a standard procedure for an aircraft incident," said Master Sgt. Rick Corral, a spokesman for the wing.

The New York Times

Emergency thoracotomy is a standard procedure in the management of cardiac arrest in patients sustaining severe trauma.

Stanford University

Lifting of the sinus floor is a standard procedure for bony augmentation that enables dental implantation.

British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Combining calcium chloride with an alginate to make a water-insoluble matrix (as in "squid caviar") is a standard procedure in many industries.

The New York Times - Magazine

In fact, there is a standard procedure when a boy loses a parent: everyone in his homeroom is bused to the funeral.

The New York Times

Deployment of warplanes is a standard procedure, according to defense ministry officials, when pilots using emergency codes raise the alarm.

The New York Times

"It is a standard procedure for the group to follow international competitive bidding route for major capital expenditures to ensure transparency and competitiveness in the process.

The Guardian

Specifically blocking of cations or anions in an electrochemical polarization experiment is a standard procedure to determine transport numbers.

Electrochimica Acta

Sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) is a standard procedure in which miniplates and screws are used to achieve stabilization.

Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery

Four-corner fusion associated to scaphoid excision is a standard procedure for advanced carpal collapse stage II and III.

Hand Surgery and Rehabilitation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair it with a specific context (e.g., "in medical diagnostics" or "within the department") to make the statement more authoritative.

Common error

Avoid using this phrase as a 'filler' for obvious actions. If an action is clearly routine, stating it "is a standard procedure" can sometimes come across as defensive or redundant in concise business reporting.

Linguistic Context

In the sentence structure, "is a standard procedure" functions as a subject complement (specifically a predicative nominative). It links a subject (the action or process being discussed) to a category that defines its status as routine or mandatory. Ludwig AI confirms its role as an explanatory predicate in descriptive writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

Academia

25%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Social Media

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is a standard procedure" is a highly effective linguistic tool for establishing authority and routine. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently used in scientific and medical contexts to describe protocols that ensure safety, accuracy or consistency. While it is grammatically simple—consisting of a copula and a noun phrase—its strength lies in its ability to strip away ambiguity. Whether you are writing a research paper or a corporate policy, using this phrase helps define boundaries and expectations clearly. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a 'safe' and universally understood expression in the English-speaking professional world.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a standard protocol

Adds a slightly more technical or official weight, often used in scientific or security contexts.

is standard practice

Omits the indefinite article for a more concise, idiomatic expression often used in business.

is a common practice

Softens the tone by suggesting a widespread habit rather than a strict formal rule.

is a standard method

Focuses on the specific methodology used to achieve a result.

is a routine process

Emphasizes the repetitive and mechanical nature of the activity.

is a typical measure

Suggests that the action is a characteristic response to a specific situation.

is a conventional step

Highlights that the action follows traditional or established ways of doing things.

is a regular requirement

Shifts the focus toward the necessity or obligation of the action.

is a formalized approach

Indicates that the procedure has been officially documented and structured.

is a default action

Used when the procedure is the automatic choice in the absence of other instructions.

FAQs

How do I use "is a standard procedure" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe any routine task, for example: "Checking the equipment before use "is a standard procedure" in our lab."

What is the difference between "is a standard procedure" and "is standard procedure"?

Both are correct. Stating it "is standard procedure" (without the 'a') is often more idiomatic and concise in professional speech, whereas using the 'a' makes the phrase a standard noun phrase.

What can I say instead of "is a standard procedure"?

Depending on your focus, you can use "is a routine protocol", "is a common practice" or "is the norm".

Is "is a standard procedure" formal enough for academic writing?

Yes, it is highly appropriate for academic contexts. Ludwig shows that it is frequently used in high-impact journals like "Nature" and "Science" to describe experimental methods.