it was typically

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was typically" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a common or usual occurrence or behavior in a specific context. Example: "In the early 20th century, it was typically expected that women would stay at home while men worked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sparta, however, seems to have wanted to stop Athens in its tracks, though in the end it was typically unwilling to press this line of policy home.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A pale ruby wine made entirely of the sangiovese grape, it was typically stern and angular in its youth.

The New York Times

"And it was typically handled without precaution.

The New York Times

As people said at the time, it was typically Mingus.

The New York Times - Magazine

So if you borrowed a lawnmower it was typically from your neighbor.

The New Yorker

It was typically in the middle in most other areas measured.

The New York Times

Simoné Groenewald 23, PA I really liked it, I thought it was typically Tarantino.

The Guardian - Film

It was typically, irrepressibly honest of Pichot to sever the party line.

The Guardian - Sport

Others said it was typically Brown in another sense: the re-announcing of news he'd already pre-announced last week.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was, typically for Krantz, music without compromise or concession, but it could hardly have been more expressive.

The Guardian - Music

The original claimed the slogan on the wall was calling for peace while it was typically used to promote violence.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was typically" to describe past behaviors, conditions, or events that were the norm. Ensure the context clearly establishes what period or situation you're referencing.

Common error

Avoid using "it was typically" when discussing current or future trends. This phrase is best suited for describing past norms. For present trends, use "it is typically" or "it's typically".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was typically" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It indicates that something happened in a manner that was usual or characteristic of a particular time or situation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was typically" serves to describe past norms and common occurrences, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically sound and finds frequent use across diverse sources, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure the temporal context is clear to avoid confusion. Alternatives such as ""it was generally"" or ""it was usually"" offer similar meanings, though nuance may vary. Be mindful of not using "it was typically" when referring to present scenarios or future trends, as this phrase is best reserved for portraying past realities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it generally happened

Focuses on the occurrence of an event rather than a characteristic.

it usually occurred

Highlights the frequency of an event rather than a typical attribute.

it commonly transpired

Emphasizes the occurrence of an event while maintaining formality.

it regularly took place

Emphasizes the repeated occurrence of an event.

it often unfolded

Highlights the manner in which an event occurred.

it characteristically happened

Focuses on the event happening as expected based on character.

it tended to be

Indicates a predisposition towards a certain state or condition.

it was customarily done

Highlights adherence to tradition or custom.

it would normally be

Suggests a common expectation or practice.

as a rule, it was

Emphasizes the presence of a general rule or principle.

FAQs

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

Use "it was typically" to describe actions, behaviors, or events that were common or usual in the past. For example, "Before the internet, "it was typically" that people borrowed lawnmowers from their neighbors".

What are some alternatives to "it was typically"?

Some alternatives include "it was generally", "it was usually", "it was commonly", or "it was customarily". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "it is typically" or "it was typically"?

"It is typically" describes something that is currently common, while ""it was typically"" describes something that was common in the past. Use the form that matches the timeframe you are discussing.

What's the difference between "it was typically" and "it was always"?

"It was typically" suggests a common but not universal occurrence, while "it was always" indicates that something happened in every instance without exception. The former allows for some variation, whereas the latter does not.