it was a normal procedure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was a normal procedure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action or process that is standard or routine in a particular context, often in professional or technical writing. Example: "During the audit, the team confirmed that it was a normal procedure to review all financial records from the past year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Later, however, he appeared to admit that the scenes were unacceptable and said it was a "normal procedure" for Uefa to open disciplinary hearings.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It is a normal procedure in administrative assistance.

The Guardian - Business

To Matsui, this was a normal procedure.

The New York Times - Sports

But in a 24-page document, he was said to have acknowledged that, in the 1970s when Uruguay's civil-military government was cracking down on suspected leftwing insurgents and sympathisers, torture was a "normal procedure" in his unit.

The Guardian

Olivier Metzner, a lawyer for Mr. Messier, played down the detention, saying in a statement that it was "a normal step in the ongoing procedure, is part of the request made by Mr. Messier himself, three months ago on March 29, to be placed under formal investigation so as to be able to explain himself and better defend his former colleagues".

The New York Times

Postoperative irrigation is a normal procedure, supposedly benefiting recovery, but it is not imperative, and there is some evidence that it might be redundant.

BMJ Open

"This is a normal procedure any time a child is injured and adult caregivers are present when it happens," Ms. Stainback said.

The New York Times

For China, though, attitudes are sanguine as this is viewed as a test case for how the government will deal with what should be a normal procedure.

BBC

Venezuelan Human rights activist Carlos Nieto Palma told BBC Mundo: "What should have been a normal procedure in any prison ended in a clash between National Guard [soldiers] and inmates".

BBC

DNA methylation is a normal procedure to maintain gene expression with normal patterns in mammalian cells.

Chinese Journal of Cancer

This is a normal procedure in the ER and happens often.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing processes in technical documentation, use "it was a normal procedure" to assure the reader that a step is standard and expected. This helps set expectations and reduce anxiety about deviations from the norm.

Common error

Avoid using "it was a normal procedure" to describe actions that, while common, are ethically questionable or legally dubious. "Normal" in this context should only refer to established, acceptable practices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was a normal procedure" functions as a statement of fact, asserting that a particular action or process conformed to established routines or protocols. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was a normal procedure" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to indicate that an action or process adhered to established norms. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is acceptable for use in various contexts, particularly in news, science and professional settings. Its usage assures audiences that established protocols were followed, fostering a sense of order and predictability. Though common, it's important to ensure the actions described as "normal" are ethically and legally sound. For alternative expressions, consider using phrases such as "it was standard practice" or "it was a routine process" for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was standard practice

Replaces "procedure" with "practice", emphasizing the routine aspect.

it was common practice

Similar to "standard practice", highlighting how often something is done.

it was a routine process

Substitutes "procedure" with "process", focusing on the systematic nature.

it was the usual course of action

Rephrases the idea with a more descriptive and slightly longer expression.

it was typical protocol

Uses "protocol" instead of "procedure", suggesting a set of rules or guidelines.

it was business as usual

Implies that the events were not out of the ordinary.

it was a matter of course

Indicates something that happens naturally and predictably.

it was to be expected

Highlights that something was anticipated or predictable, suggesting a normal progression.

it was part of the routine

Emphasizes that something is included in the regular activities.

it was according to Hoyle

Indicates that the action was performed according to established rules or customs.

FAQs

What does "it was a normal procedure" mean?

The phrase "it was a normal procedure" means that something was done according to established and routine practices. It implies that there was nothing unusual or exceptional about the way something was handled.

How can I use "it was a normal procedure" in a sentence?

You can use "it was a normal procedure" to describe a standard practice or action. For example, "The security check "it was a normal procedure" at the airport."

What can I say instead of "it was a normal procedure"?

You can use alternatives like "it was standard practice", "it was common practice", or "it was a routine process" depending on the context.

Is "it's a normal procedure" grammatically different from "it was a normal procedure"?

Yes, "it's a normal procedure" uses the present tense, implying the procedure is currently normal, while ""it was a normal procedure"" uses the past tense, indicating it was normal at a specific time in the past.