lower than usual

USAGE SUMMARY

"lower than usual" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe that something is not as high or as much as it usually is. For example, "Gas prices this month are lower than usual."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Probably lower than usual.

The New Yorker

lower than usual.

The New York Times - Sports

Paintings are hung a bit lower than usual.

The New York Times

Students seeking internships should plan for a lower than usual credit load.

Cornell University

In other words, though turnout was low it was possibly no lower than usual.

The Guardian

The data also showed that supplies of heating oil were lower than usual.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

2) The government set a lower-than-usual growth target — but one that may still be out of reach.

The Washington Post

Demand has been strong at the first two auctions, which offer short-term loans at lower-than-usual interest rates.

The New York Times

Knights will absorb a lower-than-usual profit margin, he said, without asking retailers to pay more at wholesale.

The New York Times

However, they can not rule out that it may be a young pulsar born with a lower-than-usual magnetic field.

University of California, Berkeley

Meanwhile, you may have noticed ample supplies of Mexican-grown avocados in your local stores, with lower-than-usual prices.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lower than usual" to clearly indicate a deviation from an expected or established norm. Ensure the context provides a clear reference point for what is considered 'usual'.

Common error

Avoid using "lower than usual" without a clear point of comparison. Ensure your audience understands what constitutes the 'usual' level to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lower than usual" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that the noun's level or quantity is less than what is typically expected. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage in describing deviations from established norms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lower than usual" is a widely used and grammatically sound comparative phrase that describes something being less than what is normally expected. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent presence in diverse fields such as journalism, academia, and science. For greater clarity and precision, remember to contextualize the reference point when utilizing this phrase. Alternative expressions encompass "less than expected" and "below average".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as high as normal

Directly compares the current level to the typical or expected level.

less than expected

Focuses on the difference between an actual result and what was anticipated.

below average

Highlights that something is not as good as the typical or expected standard.

uncharacteristically low

Emphasizes that the low level is atypical and unexpected.

at a reduced level

Indicates that the quantity or intensity is less than a previous or typical state.

not up to par

Suggests that something is not meeting the required or expected level of quality.

off the mark

Implies that something has missed the intended target or standard.

subnormal

Describes something that falls below the normal or average level.

at a depressed rate

Indicates that a rate or level has decreased significantly below what is normal.

below the standard

Highlights a failure to meet established criteria or expectations.

FAQs

How can I use "lower than usual" in a sentence?

You can use "lower than usual" to describe something that is less than the typical or expected amount. For example, "This year's rainfall is lower than usual, leading to drought conditions."

What's a similar phrase to "lower than usual"?

Alternatives include "less than expected", "below average", or "not as high as normal", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "less than usual" instead of "lower than usual"?

While "lower than usual" typically refers to a quantifiable amount or level, "less than usual" can be used more broadly to indicate a smaller quantity or degree. The choice depends on the specific context.

What are some common contexts where "lower than usual" is used?

"Lower than usual" is frequently used in contexts related to weather patterns, economic indicators, academic performance, and health metrics. It's useful for comparing current conditions to established norms.