is usual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is usual" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is typical or commonly occurring in a particular context. Example: "It is usual for employees to submit their reports by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Is that unusual?" "It is usual.

The New Yorker

Again, this is usual.

The New York Times

This is usual occurrence.

The New Yorker

Spontaneous recovery is usual.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Three to six months is usual.

The New York Times

The gap between the two sets of figures is usual.

The Guardian

This self-pity conjoined with resentment is usual among punters.

The Guardian - Opinion

The plots are, as is usual with Chandler, beyond feeble.

The Guardian - Opinion

It may comprise one village or community, as is usual in Guatemala, or it may comprise a number of separate communities, as is usual in Mexico.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Doing the opposite of what is usual has become Thomas's trademark.

The New Yorker

During the bank holiday, as is usual on such days, NHS hospital care was emergency-only.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is usual" to describe events, behaviors, or conditions that are commonly observed or expected in a given context. This helps set the reader's expectations and provides a sense of normalcy.

Common error

While "is usual" is grammatically correct, avoid overuse in formal writing. Opt for more precise synonyms like "standard", "typical", or "common" to add nuance and sophistication to your prose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is usual" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It's used to characterize a subject by indicating that it conforms to a norm, expectation, or frequent occurrence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase fits standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is usual" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something that aligns with expectations or occurs frequently. Ludwig AI confirms its adherence to standard grammatical rules. Appearing across diverse sources like News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, it maintains a generally neutral register. While widely applicable, more precise synonyms may be preferable in formal writing. Related phrases include "is typical" and "is common", offering alternative ways to convey similar meanings. Avoid overusing "is usual" in formal contexts for a more sophisticated writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is typical

Replaces "usual" with "typical", focusing on the representative nature of the occurrence.

is common

Substitutes "usual" with "common", emphasizing the frequency of the event.

is standard

Replaces "usual" with "standard", highlighting the conformity to a norm or expectation.

is normal

Substitutes "usual" with "normal", emphasizing that the occurrence aligns with what is expected.

is routine

Replaces "usual" with "routine", focusing on the habitual nature of the occurrence.

is customary

Substitutes "usual" with "customary", highlighting the adherence to established practices.

is generally the case

Replaces "is usual" with a more descriptive phrase indicating a prevailing condition.

is often seen

Focuses on the observable frequency of the occurrence, rather than its typicality.

is frequently observed

Highlights the repeated observation of the occurrence, emphasizing its regularity.

is to be expected

Emphasizes the anticipation or predictability of the occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "is usual" in a sentence?

You can use "is usual" to describe something that commonly happens or is generally expected. For example, "It "is usual" to tip 15-20% at restaurants in the US."

What phrases are similar to "is usual"?

Alternatives to "is usual" include "is typical", "is common", or "is standard", which all suggest something happens regularly or as expected.

Is it correct to say "is usual"?

Yes, "is usual" is grammatically correct and commonly used. However, consider the context and whether a more precise term like "is normal" or "is regular" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "is usual" and "is common"?

While ""is usual"" and "is common" are similar, "is usual" suggests something is generally expected, while "is common" simply means it occurs frequently. "It "is usual" to greet people" implies it's expected, whereas "It is common to see birds" just means birds are frequently seen.