it is only normal

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is only normal" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to suggest that something is unsurprising or expected. For example, you might say "It is only normal for a new employee to feel a little overwhelmed in their first few weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"It is only normal that the European Parliament should express its concerns". Gianni Pittella, the Italian chair of the S&D group, said of the Polish people.

European Parliament

"It is only normal that we have some frictions.

The New York Times

It is only normal that Morsi would want to get ride of Mubarak's minions.

The Guardian

"It is only normal that the fans are disappointed but they are not the only ones," Allegri said.

The Guardian - Sport

And then, as if to drive home that point, Mr. Hu added, "During the talks, I underlined to President Obama that given our differences in national conditions, it is only normal that our two sides may disagree on some issues".

The New York Times

"The military's legacy gives it a special credibility, and hence it is only normal that the military will share some of the responsibility in protecting the constitutional legitimacy and the civil state".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It's only normal you do so at training".

The Guardian - Sport

"It's only normal that this conference deal with this issue".

The New York Times

It's only normal that you keep on learning throughout a tournament".

The Guardian - Sport

Most important is to let them know it's okay for them to feel the way they do, it's only normal.

Harvard University

"I think it's only normal they assumed this could be their year," said Representative Dean Kaufert, a Republican who introduced the legislation, speaking of the rifle association.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is only normal" to set expectations or to reassure someone that their experience is typical and not cause for alarm.

Common error

Avoid using "it is only normal" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your tone sound dismissive or condescending. Vary your language by using synonyms like "it is understandable" or "it is to be expected".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is only normal" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a clause, indicating that something is typical, expected, or unsurprising. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it is used to suggest that something is unsurprising or expected.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is only normal" serves as a grammatically sound and reasonably frequent expression used to normalize events or feelings. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its usage spans various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business, but its prevalence is lower in scientific or encyclopedic writing. To enhance your writing, utilize the provided alternatives and avoid overuse to maintain a natural and engaging tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is just normal

Replaces "only" with "just", slightly altering the emphasis but maintaining the same core meaning.

it is quite normal

Uses "quite" to soften the statement slightly, suggesting something is reasonably expected.

it is perfectly normal

Emphasizes the normality of the situation using "perfectly".

it is to be expected

Shifts the phrasing to focus on the expectation of the event or situation.

it is understandable

Highlights the ease with which something can be understood or excused.

it is not surprising

Expresses the lack of surprise at an event or situation.

it stands to reason

Indicates that something is logical or follows naturally from the circumstances.

that's only to be expected

Uses a more conversational tone to express a similar sentiment.

it is a common occurrence

Focuses on the frequency with which something happens.

that is the way it goes

Suggests an acceptance of something, implying it's a typical or unavoidable situation.

FAQs

What does "it is only normal" mean?

The phrase "it is only normal" means that something is expected, unsurprising, or typical in a given situation. It's used to convey that a certain outcome or feeling aligns with what usually happens or what one should anticipate.

How can I use "it is only normal" in a sentence?

You can use "it is only normal" to reassure someone about a common experience or to explain why something isn't surprising. For example, "It is only normal to feel nervous before a big presentation."

What are some alternatives to "it is only normal"?

You can use alternatives like "it is just normal", "it is quite normal", or "it is to be expected" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "it is only normal" and "it's only normal"?

No, there is no significant difference. "It is only normal" is the full form, while "it's only normal" is a contraction. Both phrases have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably.