more than usual

USAGE SUMMARY

"more than usual" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can often use it to refer to something that is greater than what is the norm or expected. For example, you could say "I am feeling more tired than usual today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He slept more than usual.

The New York Times

"That's much more than usual.

The New York Times

Cigarette smokers were smoking more than usual.

The New Yorker

More than usual.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yes, but no more than usual.

The New York Times

My head was dull more than usual".

The New York Times - Health

He had begun drinking more than usual".

Independent

You notice more than usual.

The Guardian - Travel

More than usual, I mean.

The Guardian - Arts

Cars honked (more than usual) in solidarity.

The Guardian - Opinion

TC: No, no more than usual.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more than usual" to clearly indicate a deviation from a typical or expected level. Ensure the context provides a clear understanding of what 'usual' refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "more than usual" without specifying what the 'usual' level is. For instance, instead of saying 'He was more tired than usual', specify 'He was more tired than usual for a Monday' to provide a clearer point of reference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more than usual" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate a degree or quantity exceeding the norm. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "more than usual" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something exceeds its typical or expected level. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used in various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. To ensure clarity, always provide context about what constitutes the 'usual' level. While alternatives like "beyond the norm" or "to a greater extent" exist, "more than usual" maintains a neutral register suitable for most writing situations. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and accurately convey deviations from the norm using the phrase "more than usual".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more than average

Directly compares the quantity to what is considered typical.

an increased amount

Focuses on the higher quantity compared to what is usual.

beyond the norm

Emphasizes deviation from an established standard or average.

in excess of normal

Highlights that something surpasses the usual limit or quantity.

over the typical amount

Highlights surpassing the usual quantity.

surpassing the standard

Indicates that something has gone beyond the ordinary

above the ordinary

Stresses that something is better or higher than the usual

to a greater extent

Focuses on the degree to which something is happening.

to a larger degree

Indicates a greater intensity or magnitude.

more frequently than normal

Focuses on the number of occurences when it comes to something more frequent.

FAQs

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

You can use "more than usual" to indicate that something exceeds its typical level. For example, 'I drank "more than usual" at the party', or 'There were "more than usual" cars on the road today'.

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

Alternatives include "beyond the norm", "more than average", or "in excess of normal". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "more than usual" compare to "more than normal"?

"More than usual" and "more than normal" are very similar. "Usual" often refers to a personal baseline, while "normal" can refer to a broader, societal average. The phrases are often interchangeable, but consider the context for the most appropriate choice.

Is it appropriate to use "more than usual" in formal writing?

Yes, "more than usual" is appropriate for formal writing. While not highly technical, it is clear and easily understood. More formal alternatives like "to a greater extent" may be preferred in highly academic or technical contexts.