is usually true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is usually true" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is generally accurate or valid in most cases, but may not apply universally. Example: "While there are exceptions, it is usually true that practice leads to improvement in skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

In fact, the opposite is usually true.

The New York Times

All of that is usually true.

The New York Times

That is usually true in a bridge game if the contract is due to fail.

The New York Times - Arts

Apple's marketing is usually true: each new iPhone is the best it has ever made.

The Guardian - Tech

So I decided to look at the data to see if that is usually true.

The New York Times

As is usually true with Pinter, anything and everything is uncertain, except for uncertainty.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

(In markets where this doesn't happen, there are two possible explanations:  either the drugs aren't identical--which is usually true--or doctors, who often levy the "me-too" charge, are guilty of gross financial irresponsibility).

The Economist

That's usually true of Washington messes, and there are certainly Democratic failings.

The New York Times

That's usually true, but it felt truer this year, during an event staged as an intimate, black-tie dinner rather than a free concert open to the public.

The New York Times - Arts

The reason sayings become cliches is because they are usually true.

BBC

But it's usually true because the seller tends to either lose motivation or overpromise the potential of the combined entity.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is usually true" to introduce generalizations or rules that have exceptions. This adds nuance to your writing and avoids making overly broad statements.

Common error

Avoid using "is usually true" when the statement is almost always true or demonstrably false. This weakens the impact and can mislead the reader. Use stronger qualifiers or revise the statement altogether.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is usually true" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a statement. It indicates a high degree of probability or likelihood, but acknowledges the possibility of exceptions. Ludwig examples show its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

32%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is usually true" serves as a valuable tool for expressing generalizations that hold true in most cases but are not absolute. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing, indicating its versatility and broad applicability. When writing, consider using this phrase to introduce concepts that are generally valid but may have exceptions. Remember to avoid overstating generalizations and choose stronger qualifiers when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generally holds true

Emphasizes the overall validity while acknowledging potential exceptions.

typically applies

Focuses on the typical application of a rule or statement.

mostly accurate

Highlights the high degree of accuracy, allowing for minor inaccuracies.

largely correct

Suggests a broad correctness with room for small errors.

generally the case

Indicates that a situation is commonly observed.

as a rule

Presents a statement as a standard rule or principle.

more often than not

Highlights the frequent occurrence of a particular event or situation.

in most instances

Focuses on the majority of cases where a statement is valid.

on average

Expresses a typical value or outcome based on statistical averaging.

by and large

Indicates a general truth or overall condition.

FAQs

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

Use "is usually true" to preface a statement that generally applies, but might have exceptions. For example, "What your mother told you "is usually true"".

What are some alternatives to "is usually true"?

Alternatives include "generally holds true", "typically applies", or "mostly accurate", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it inappropriate to use "is usually true"?

It's inappropriate to use "is usually true" when a statement is either almost always true (in which case, a stronger statement is more appropriate) or demonstrably false.

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

Yes, "is always true" indicates a universal truth without exceptions, while "is usually true" acknowledges that there may be exceptions to the statement.