it was normally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was normally" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or behavior that typically occurs under normal circumstances. Example: "It was normally quiet in the library, but today it was unusually noisy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Matthew Greenburgh, a British banker who was formerly vice chairman of Merrill Lynch, told me that "it was normally the European bankers (and other non-Americans) who were more innovative, aggressive, entrepreneurial, and risk-taking characteristics that arisk-taking characteristicsnking, of course.

Vice

(It was normally floodlit by his guards, who also jammed mobile-phone signals).

The Economist

The carbine was almost exclusively a cavalry weapon, and it was normally chambered in.52 calibre.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A wide chair with a high back, it was normally upholstered in leather.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was normally a wooden box covered in leather, studded with nails, and fitted with carrying handles.

Britannica

Linseed oil and the pigment made a mixture that was too thick, so that it was normally thinned with turpentine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

It's normally on breaking balls.

The New York Times - Sports

It is normally taken only once.

Yale University

It's normally very quiet here".

The New York Times

It's normally love at first sight.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is normally firmer and baked out.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was normally", ensure the context clearly establishes the timeframe and situation to which the 'normal' state applies. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity about what is considered typical.

Common error

Avoid using "it was normally" without providing specific context or timeframe. This can lead to confusion if the reader doesn't understand the 'normal' circumstances being referred to. Always provide necessary details to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was normally" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb to describe the typical or usual state of affairs in the past. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase introduces a sense of routine or expectation that is commonly understood.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was normally" is a common phrase used to describe typical past scenarios. Ludwig's analysis indicates it is grammatically sound and primarily functions to provide context by setting up expectations based on past routines. While suitable for various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, science, and general conversation, consider using more precise alternatives in highly formal settings. Remember to provide adequate context when using this phrase to ensure clarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely usable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it usually was

Replaces 'normally' with 'usually', emphasizing frequency but with a slightly different phrasing.

it typically was

Substitutes 'normally' with 'typically', highlighting that something happened in a characteristic way.

it generally was

Uses 'generally' instead of 'normally', indicating common occurrence without absolute certainty.

it would usually be

Employs 'would' to denote a habitual action or state in the past, similar to 'used to be'.

it had been typically

Emphasizes the past typicality, adding a sense of prior established norm.

it was customary

Replaces 'normally' with 'customary', focusing on established practices or traditions.

it was standard practice

Highlights that something was a common and accepted method or procedure.

it was par for the course

Implies that something was to be expected or was typical in a given situation.

as a rule, it was

Introduces a rule-based perspective, indicating that something generally followed a pattern.

on average, it was

Indicates an average state, focusing on statistical commonality.

FAQs

How can I use "it was normally" in a sentence?

Use "it was normally" to describe a situation or behavior that typically occurred under standard or expected circumstances. For example, "It was normally quiet in the library, but today it was unusually noisy".

What phrases are similar to "it was normally"?

You can use alternatives like "it usually was", "it typically was", or "it generally was" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was normally" formal or informal?

"It was normally" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or scientific writing, consider alternatives like "it was typically" for added precision.

What's the difference between "it was normally" and "it is normally"?

"It was normally" refers to a past typical state or action, while "it is normally" refers to a current or ongoing typical state or action. The choice depends on whether you are describing something that happened in the past or something that generally happens now.