is usually

USAGE SUMMARY

'is usually' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something typically happens in a certain way. For example: "In this culture, dinner is usually served at 7 PM."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is usually hopeless.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cheap is usually nasty.

The Guardian

Migration is usually voluntary.

The Economist

It is usually refused.

The Economist

Power is usually divided.

The New York Times - Magazine

4 is usually adequate.

Harvard University

Indeed, it is usually illegal.

The Economist

There is usually no dialogue.

The New York Times

But testing is usually inadequate.

The New York Times

That is usually a formality.

The New York Times

Historically, that is usually redundant.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is usually" to describe trends, common practices, or typical scenarios. It softens claims and indicates that exceptions may exist.

Common error

Avoid using "is usually" when referring to absolute truths or universal facts. Ensure that the statement allows for exceptions and isn't misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is usually" functions as an adverbial modifier indicating the frequency or typicality of an action or state. It qualifies a verb or adjective, specifying that something happens more often than not. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is usually" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something occurs more often than not, though not always. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and suitable for a variety of contexts. The phrase's neutral tone makes it adaptable to both formal and informal communication, with its frequency high in News & Media, Wiki, and Encyclopedias. When using "is usually", remember to avoid overgeneralizations and to use it in situations where exceptions are possible. Consider alternatives like "is often" or "is typically" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generally is

Changes the order of the words slightly while keeping a similar meaning.

typically is

Replaces "usually" with a synonym that conveys a similar sense of regularity or frequency.

is commonly

Uses a different adverb to express a similar idea of common occurrence.

is often

Uses a shorter, more direct adverb to indicate frequency.

as a rule is

Expresses a general principle or common pattern.

tends to be

Indicates a tendency or inclination rather than a strict rule.

in most cases is

Highlights that the statement applies to the majority of situations.

more often than not is

Emphasizes the higher probability of something occurring.

on average is

Introduces a statistical or general expectation.

under normal circumstances is

Specifies that the statement is true given standard conditions.

FAQs

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

Use "is usually" to indicate that something happens most of the time but not always. For instance, "The weather in July "is usually" hot", meaning it's typically hot but there might be cooler days.

What are some alternatives to "is usually"?

You can use alternatives such as "is often", "is typically", or "generally is" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "is usually" and "is always"?

Yes, "is usually" implies that something happens most of the time, while "is always" means it happens without exception. For example, "The train "is usually" on time" suggests it's mostly punctual, but "The train "is always" on time" claims it's never late.

When should I avoid using "is usually"?

Avoid using "is usually" when stating facts that are universally true or when precision is required. For example, saying "Water boils at 100°C "is usually"" is incorrect because it implies there are exceptions to a scientific constant.