not typically

USAGE SUMMARY

"not typically" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is often used to provide a contrast or deviation from usual or expected behavior or characteristics. Example: "The class clown was not typically quiet, but today he seemed lost in thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Big banks do not typically fail individually.

The New York Times

But that's not typically what happens.

The New York Times

"I'm not typically glass half full.

The Guardian

Quarterbacks do not typically thrive as rookies.

The Guardian - Sport

He's not typically a subtle guy.

The New Yorker

Thus, quantitative analyses are not typically feasible.

Ecological Modelling

That's not typically the president's place.

The Washington Post

However, most currently available treatments have not typically addressed cognition.

Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging

Math is not typically known for its cliffhanger moments.

The New York Times

The F.D.I.C. does not typically make such comprehensive disclosures.

The New York Times

Such arguments did not typically survive scientific scrutiny.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not typically" to politely point out that something deviates from the norm without being overly critical or judgmental.

Common error

In highly formal or academic writing, overuse of "not typically" can dilute the impact. Consider using more precise language to specify the exact conditions or reasons for deviation from the norm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not typically" functions as an adverbial modifier. It describes how frequently or usually an action or state occurs, indicating it deviates from the norm. Ludwig confirms its widespread use in expressing such deviations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not typically" serves as a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate deviations from the norm, as confirmed by Ludwig. It enjoys widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media, academia, and general writing. While grammatically correct and commonly used, Ludwig suggests being mindful of overuse in highly formal settings, opting for more precise language where appropriate. Alternatives such as "rarely" or "unusually" can provide similar meaning with slightly different tones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not commonly

Synonymous phrase using "commonly" instead of "typically".

not generally

Replaces "typically" with "generally" maintaining a similar meaning.

atypically

Adverb directly negating typicality.

infrequently

More formal adverb indicating a lack of frequency.

rarely

Single word adverb conveying infrequency.

unusually

Single word adverb replacing the phrase for brevity.

not the usual case

Phrase emphasizing that something is an exception.

out of the ordinary

Idiomatic expression indicating something is unusual or exceptional.

against the grain

Idiomatic expression denoting actions contrary to prevailing trends.

deviating from the norm

Formal phrase emphasizing a departure from standard behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "not typically" in a sentence?

You can use "not typically" to describe something that does not usually happen or is not usually the case, like: "That store is "not typically" open this late."

What are some alternatives to "not typically"?

Alternatives include "rarely", "unusually", or "not commonly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "not typically"?

Yes, "not typically" is grammatically correct and widely used in English to indicate that something is an exception to the usual pattern.

What's the difference between "not typically" and "atypically"?

"Not typically" is a phrase, while "atypically" is a single-word adverb. Both convey the same meaning, but "not typically" might be preferred in some contexts for its slightly less formal tone.