more than usually

USAGE SUMMARY

"more than usually" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to compare the degree of something to what is typically expected or usual. For example: "Today, I am feeling more than usually tired after such a long day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But Cleopatra's is more than usually protean.

The Guardian

Some became more than usually gregarious.

Harvard Business Review

In an election year that seems more than usually improbable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Writing these words has made us more than usually nervous.

The New Yorker

Solly felt more than usually chagrined by this remark.

The New York Times - Style

Probably I'm a little bit tired more than usually".

The New York Times - Sports

Then again Chevé was more than usually unnerving.

The New Yorker

So, leaders' conference speeches are more than usually important.

The Guardian

Ningbo's turmoil must have been more than usually worrisome.

The Economist

Lunch with Jay McInerney, it has to be said, is a more than usually enticing prospect.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

From 1986 through 1993, she played a more-than-usually wacky neighbor, Bernice Clifton, on the hit show "Designing Women".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more than usually", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the 'usual' state or occurrence is to provide a clear point of comparison for the reader.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "more than usually" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "especially" or "particularly" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more than usually" functions as an adverbial modifier. It typically modifies adjectives or verbs, indicating that a quality or action is present to a greater degree than is typical or expected. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more than usually" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed adverbial phrase used to indicate a heightened degree or occurrence of something compared to the norm. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and useful phrase. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to emphasize deviations from typical states or events. While effective in formal and neutral registers, simpler alternatives might be preferred for casual conversation. Remember to use it to emphasize a difference from what’s 'usual' and ensure the context provides clear comparison for your reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more than ordinarily

Replaces "usually" with "ordinarily", emphasizing a departure from the common order or course of events.

more than normally

Substitutes "usually" with "normally", focusing on deviating from the standard or expected condition.

to an unusual degree

Emphasizes the uncommon extent or measure of something.

particularly

Highlights a specific instance that stands out from the norm.

especially

Similar to "particularly", but often used to introduce a prime example.

in an exceptional manner

Conveys that something is done or exists in a way that is notably above average.

more so than is typical

Explicitly compares the degree to what is considered typical or standard.

beyond the norm

Indicates that something goes past what is considered normal or average.

uncharacteristically

Focuses on behavior or a condition that is not typical of the subject.

markedly

Indicates a noticeable difference from the usual state or condition.

FAQs

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

You can use "more than usually" to indicate something is happening to a greater extent than normal. For example, "He seemed "more than usually nervous" before the presentation".

What are some alternatives to "more than usually"?

Alternatives include "particularly", "especially", or "more than ordinarily". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it correct to say "more usual than normal"?

While understandable, "more usual than normal" is redundant. "More than usually" is a more concise and idiomatic way to express the same idea.

What's the difference between "more than usually" and "unusually"?

"Unusually" simply means not usual. "More than usually" implies a comparison to a specific baseline of what is considered usual. The latter is used to emphasize a greater degree of difference from the norm.