it is usually the case

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is usually the case" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that something is typically the case or tends to be true. Example: "It is usually the case that when an employee puts in extra effort, they will be rewarded."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Of course, it is usually the case in a first-person narrative that there's some distance between what is actually going on and what the narrator tells us.

The New York Times - Books

"We have asked our strategic partners, as it is usually the case after every war, to help us in identifying the shortfalls in our defense system and for that purpose to conduct the comprehensive diagnostics," he wrote.

The New York Times

Leary's "drop out" advice is one of those things which give historians the illusion that mass behaviors are driven by popular ideas, when it is usually the case that ideas are made popular by mass behaviors already under way.

The New Yorker

It is usually the case that studios, agents and distributors will co-ordinate release dates to capitalise on a star's popularity, but it is rare that an A-list actress will be headlining two remarkable new films and an international political controversy all at the same time.

The Guardian

In reality, it is usually the case that the gains are made by very few stocks.

Forbes

It may seem that this is simply not always the case (even if it is usually the case).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"It's usually the case when you are on long trips like this, and you don't have fresh legs.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's usually the case that the first son has to stay with the home," Ms. Takahashi said.

The New York Times

"It's usually the case that people don't ask to be buried in city limits," Mr. Slocum said.

The New York Times

"It's usually the case that there are more good female singers in conservatoires than good male ones but not many operas with enough parts for them".

The New York Times - Arts

However, it's usually the case that symbols stand in for more abstract concepts or institutions and are presented in different ways than metaphors.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is usually the case", ensure that the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For better readability, vary your sentence structure.

Common error

Avoid using "it is usually the case" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your language by using synonyms like "generally", "typically", or "more often than not."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is usually the case" functions as an introductory clause or sentence fragment. It sets the stage for a statement that is generally, but not always, true. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is usually the case" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a statement that is generally true but admits exceptions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While the phrase is more common in science and news media, it maintains a neutral-to-formal register suitable for professional contexts. To enhance writing, consider varying sentence structure and using synonyms to avoid repetition. Phrases such as "generally", "typically", or "more often than not" can serve as effective alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is generally true

This alternative focuses on the truth aspect, emphasizing that something is typically factual.

it is typically the situation

This alternative emphasizes that a scenario is commonly encountered.

it's common practice

This alternative highlights that something is a standard procedure or custom.

it is often the situation

This alternative indicates that a particular situation occurs frequently.

it commonly happens

This focuses on the frequent occurrence of an event or action.

it is a frequent occurrence

This alternative is a more formal way to express that something happens often.

more often than not

This alternative suggests that something is true in the majority of instances.

as a rule

This alternative expresses that something is generally the case, with exceptions possible.

in most instances

This alternative emphasizes that something is true in the majority of specific cases.

by and large

This alternative indicates that something is generally true, despite some exceptions.

FAQs

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

Use "it is usually the case" to introduce a statement that is generally true or typical. For example, "It is usually the case that students study harder before exams."

What's a more concise way to say "it is usually the case"?

Alternatives include phrases like "generally", "typically", or "often". For instance, instead of saying "it is usually the case that restaurants are busy on weekends", you could say "restaurants are generally busy on weekends".

Is there a difference between "it is usually the case" and "it is always the case"?

Yes, "it is usually the case" indicates something is generally true but not always, whereas "it is always the case" implies it is true without exception. Using "it is always the case" means there are no exceptions.

What are some formal synonyms for "it is usually the case"?

Formal alternatives include "typically", "generally", or "as a rule". These options provide a similar meaning while maintaining a more professional tone. Thus, instead of "it is usually the case" you can try "typically" or "generally".