like usual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like usual" is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is usually used to refer to something that is happening in the same way that it usually does. For example: I woke up late this morning, like usual.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Everything's like usual.

The New Yorker

Simply say "that's cool, maybe another time then" but continue to chat with her like usual, being your typical friendly self.

WikiHow

Like usual.

The Guardian - Books

void main void) Like usual, this function calls initialize first.

Cornell University

On this day, like usual, the factory floor was abuzz with the whirring of machinery.

Harvard University

They bought me drinks like usual and I asked Gino if he would adopt me".

The New Yorker

"When you are starting a game and your goalkeeper is No 14, you are not starting like usual I think.

Independent

I wasn't very confident as I came into the straight as I could feel something was not like usual.

The Guardian - Sport

Weird dream we just had, gotta tell you about it, gotta figure out what it means, and like usual, Madonna was in it.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Would she like her usual double-shot latte?

Harvard Business Review

They have big noses, they like money the usual.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "like usual" to emphasize the routine or expected nature of an event or action. It adds a touch of familiarity and can create a sense of continuity in your writing.

Common error

While "like usual" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives such as "typically" or "routinely" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like usual" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating that an action or situation is occurring in its typical or expected manner. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment, which considers it a common and acceptable phrase in written English. Examples in Ludwig show it modifying entire clauses, adding context about the routine nature of events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

23%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "like usual" is a grammatically sound and widely used adverbial phrase that indicates something is happening in its typical or expected way. As Ludwig confirms, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Academic content, but its use is generally considered neutral to informal. While versatile, avoiding overuse in formal contexts and opting for more elevated alternatives might be a wise choice. Its purpose is to emphasize the predictable or habitual nature of events, adding familiarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as per usual

Emphasizes adherence to a standard pattern or routine, similar to "like usual".

as always

Implies a continuation of past behavior or events without change.

in the usual way

Directly describes performing an action in the expected or typical manner.

typically

Focuses on the characteristic or common occurrence of something.

as is customary

Highlights the traditional or established nature of an action or event.

routinely

Highlights the regular and repeated nature of an action.

customarily

Refers to actions done according to common practice or habit.

ordinarily

Indicates something occurs in the normal course of events.

in a familiar manner

Emphasizes the recognizability and predictability of an action.

characteristically

Focuses on how something is consistent with its typical traits.

FAQs

How can I use "like usual" in a sentence?

You can use "like usual" to describe something that happens in a typical or expected manner. For example, "I woke up late this morning, like usual."

What are some alternatives to "like usual"?

Alternatives to "like usual" include "as per usual", "typically", or "as always", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "as usual" instead of "like usual"?

Yes, "as usual" is another common and perfectly acceptable alternative to "like usual". They both convey a similar meaning.

What's the difference between "like usual" and "usually"?

"Like usual" is an adverbial phrase that modifies a clause, while "usually" is an adverb that modifies a verb. For example, "I woke up late, like usual" vs. "I usually wake up late."