it was habitually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was habitually" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action or behavior that was done regularly or repeatedly in the past. Example: "It was habitually his practice to take a walk every morning before breakfast."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

When Wadsworth provided his clients with their portraits, it was habitually the first time that they had seen themselves as someone else saw them.

The New Yorker

The prosecuting barrister that DNA found on a brown jacket recovered from the boot of Wootton's Citroen Saxo car indicated it was "habitually worn" by McConville.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The Languedoc, along with Roussillon, the region just to the south with which it is habitually paired, covers a huge territory.

The New York Times - Food

The authority is required to have a balanced budget, and while it is hardly free of sin, it is habitually short-changed by state and city politicians, left hanging more often than an A. J. Burnett curve ball.

The New York Times

Open Tues-Thurs 4pm-1am, Fri-Sat 4pm-2am, Sun 4pm-midnight Tucked down the Nes – what looks like a back alley running south of Dam square – Van Kerkwijk is unprepossessing from outside, but inside it's habitually packed with customers at small wooden tables.

The Guardian - Travel

It is habitually wiped clean every few days by TJC employees and volunteers to make room for more messages.

Huffington Post

In that sense I'm habitually extravagant and always have been.

The New Yorker

There has been debate on whether its head was habitually held downwards, or horizontally like other sauropods.

Wikipedia

Given the intense publicity he attracted, it was hard to argue, as he did, that debate was habitually squelched.

The Economist

She was habitually late.

The New York Times - Arts

Nick fired his old supplier, who was habitually late, and gave Mr. Diakite the business.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was habitually" to describe past behaviors or conditions that occurred regularly, especially when emphasizing the routine or ingrained nature of the action. For instance, "It was habitually his practice to arrive early."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "it was habitually" can sound somewhat formal or dated in modern writing. Consider using more common alternatives like "it usually was" or "it regularly was" to maintain a contemporary tone, unless a formal tone is desired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was habitually" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating that an action or state occurred regularly or as a matter of habit in the past. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in describing past routines or conditions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was habitually" is a grammatically correct construction used to denote a past action or condition performed regularly or routinely. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is valid and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, suggesting a formal or neutral register. While correct, contemporary writers might prefer alternatives such as "it usually was" to avoid sounding overly formal. By understanding its function and communicative purpose, you can effectively incorporate "it was habitually" in your writing, while being mindful of the tone and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it typically was

Replaces 'habitually' with 'typically', changing the focus slightly to what usually happened.

it regularly was

Substitutes 'habitually' with 'regularly', emphasizing the consistent occurrence.

it commonly was

Replaces 'habitually' with 'commonly', focusing on the frequency of the occurrence.

it frequently was

Uses 'frequently' instead of 'habitually', stressing the high number of times something occurred.

it customarily was

Replaces 'habitually' with 'customarily', highlighting that it was a matter of established practice or custom.

it usually was

Changes 'habitually' to 'usually', emphasizing the typical nature of the event.

it tended to be

Uses 'tended to be' which implies a natural inclination or disposition.

it had a habit of being

Rephrases the sentence to include "had a habit of being", which directly suggests a repeated behavior.

it was wont to be

Substitutes 'habitually' with the archaic 'wont to be', providing a more formal or old-fashioned tone.

it was in the habit of being

Uses a longer form to express the habitual nature of the action, adding emphasis.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was habitually" to sound more modern?

Consider using phrases like "it usually was", "it typically was", or "it regularly was" for a more contemporary tone.

Is "it was habitually" considered formal language?

Yes, "it was habitually" is generally considered more formal. In less formal contexts, alternatives like "it often was" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "it was habitually" and "it was usually"?

"It was habitually" implies a deeply ingrained habit or routine, whereas "it was usually" simply suggests that something occurred more often than not. The former carries a stronger sense of consistency.

Can "it was habitually" be used to describe current behaviors?

While grammatically possible, "it was habitually" is best used to describe past behaviors or conditions. For current behaviors, phrases like "it is habitually" or "it is usually" are more fitting.