it is the norm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it is the norm' is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is typically used to describe something that is accepted as the usual way of behaving, thinking, or feeling. For example: "In this family, showing respect is the norm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is the norm that dare not speak its name.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The visual is a given; it is the norm; it is the world, or its engine - and Rivette, without reservation, loves that world even when it frightens him.

The Guardian - Books

It is the norm.

The New Yorker

In Israel it is the norm.

The Economist

Now it is the norm.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, it is the norm.

The New York Times

For him, it is the norm.

The Guardian - Sport

"It is the norm now," she said.

The Guardian

Now it is the norm across much of the world.

Harvard University

It is the norm, but only because of our choices.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is the norm for the Rolling Stones.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is the norm" to clearly indicate that a particular behavior, practice, or situation is common and widely accepted within a specific context. For example, "In our team, open communication is the norm."

Common error

Avoid using "it is the norm" without specifying the context or group to which it applies. Saying "it is the norm" without clarification can lead to misunderstandings if the norm is only specific to a certain industry, region, or community.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is the norm" functions as a statement of fact, indicating that a particular behavior, practice, or situation is standard or generally accepted. Ludwig AI shows that the phrase is used across various contexts to describe common occurrences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is the norm" is a versatile expression used to convey that something is typical, expected, or widely accepted within a specific context. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse sources such as news media, academic publications, and scientific articles. While alternatives like "it's commonplace" or "it's typical" exist, "it is the norm" provides a clear and neutral way to describe standard practices, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary. Remember to specify the context when using the phrase to avoid overgeneralizations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's commonplace

Changes the sentence structure and uses a different adjective to describe the commonality.

it's standard practice

Replaces 'norm' with 'standard practice', focusing on established procedures.

it's generally accepted

Shifts the focus to the widespread acceptance of a practice or behavior.

it's typical

Uses a simpler adjective to describe the usual nature of something.

it's customary

Emphasizes the traditional or habitual aspect of the practice.

it's the usual thing

Uses a more informal and descriptive expression.

it's the accepted standard

Combines the idea of acceptance with a reference to a defined standard.

it's par for the course

Uses an idiom to indicate that something is to be expected.

that's how it usually goes

Changes to a more conversational and descriptive way of expressing the typical course of events.

that's the way it is

Offers a more general and resigned acceptance of a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "it is the norm" in a sentence?

Use "it is the norm" to describe something that is typical or expected. For example, "In Japan, removing your shoes before entering a home "it is the norm"."

What can I say instead of "it is the norm"?

You can use alternatives like "it's commonplace", "it's typical", or "it's standard practice" depending on the context.

Is "it is the norm" formal or informal?

"It is the norm" is generally considered neutral in formality, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives might exist depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "it is the norm" or "it is normal"?

Both "it is the norm" and "it is normal" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "It is the norm" suggests a standard or accepted practice, while "it is normal" simply means it is usual or not unusual.