it is usual for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is usual for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a common practice or behavior associated with a particular situation or group. Example: "It is usual for employees to submit their reports by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

And yet, back on Earth, it is usual for the religious to say they feel threatened.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is usual for customers to pay individually for their drinks and food.

The Guardian - Money

Surely it is usual for supermarkets to discount at levels that conventional booksellers cannot match?

The Guardian - Books

When the cabinet meets in the regions, it is usual for "captains of industry" to attend, he said.

The Guardian

"We have to get it across that it is usual for UK ministers to be in Scotland.

The Guardian

Fortunately, it is usual for the child to swallow only a tiny amount, and severe illness from such poisoning is rare.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

"It's usual for teenagers to engage in risky behaviour," she says.

Independent

It's usual for PhD graduates to use their "Dr" credential on business cards.

The Economist

A spokeswoman said it was usual for some paintings to fall short of the estimate.

The Guardian

For decades, it was usual for the program to have a player with swagger whom its rabid fans adored.

The New York Times - Sports

It's usual for big dramas such as The Americans to be written by a whole team of people.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is usual for", ensure the context clearly establishes the group or situation to which the statement applies. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement's relevance.

Common error

Avoid using "it is usual for" without specifying who or what the statement refers to. Without context, the statement can be misleading or irrelevant. Always provide the specific subject or group for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is usual for" functions as an introductory phrase to describe a common or typical occurrence. Ludwig AI indicates the expression is grammatically correct and widely used, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is usual for" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that something is a common occurrence or expectation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific publications. While versatile, remember to provide specific context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "it is common for" or "it is typical for" offer similar meanings, but "it is usual for" subtly emphasizes the normative aspect of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is common for

Replaces "usual" with "common", emphasizing frequency or widespread occurrence.

it is typical for

Substitutes "usual" with "typical", highlighting the representative nature of the event.

it is customary for

Emphasizes the adherence to established practices or traditions, instead of what is just normal.

it is standard practice for

Highlights that it is something that's widely accepted or followed.

it is generally the case that

Indicates a broad trend or rule, instead of pinpointing what's merely common.

it is the norm for

Specifies what's considered the expected standard or pattern, which is subtly different than the most frequent scenario.

it is often the situation that

Emphasizes the repeated occurrence of a circumstance.

it tends to be that

Implies a probability or inclination rather than a certainty.

it is not uncommon for

Uses a double negative to suggest that something happens frequently, and adds a more emphatic tone.

more often than not

Suggests the frequency of an event using an idiomatic expression, instead of stating it in plain terms.

FAQs

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

Use "it is usual for" to describe common practices or occurrences within a specific context. For instance, "It is usual for employees to submit their reports by the end of the week" indicates a common workplace practice.

What are some alternatives to "it is usual for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is common for", "it is typical for", or "it is customary for", each conveying a similar sense of normalcy or expected behavior.

What is the difference between "it is usual for" and "it is common for"?

While both phrases indicate frequency, "it is usual for" suggests something is generally expected or the norm, whereas "it is common for" simply means something occurs frequently without necessarily being the expected behavior.

Is "it is usual for" appropriate in formal writing?

"It is usual for" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when describing standard practices or norms. However, consider using more precise language depending on the context, such as "it is standard practice for" or "it is generally the case that" for added clarity and formality.