not usual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not usual" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is uncommon or atypical in a given context. Example: "Her reaction to the news was not usual; she seemed surprisingly calm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is not usual.

The New York Times - Magazine

That is not usual.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is not usual," Bouvier said.

The New Yorker

The Gehry/Childs team, however, was not usual.

The New York Times - Arts

Of course, the studio context is not usual.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's not usual to use this as a marketing tool," he said sarcastically.

The New York Times

It's not usual to have so much space between the works.

The New York Times

"It is not usual that we have four injuries in midfield," Van Gaal said.

The Guardian - Sport

It is not usual for a Wednesday to have these small volumes".

The Guardian

Before that, he'd write and draw stuff that was just not usual for someone his age.

The Guardian - Music

Grey skies, choppy waters and crosswinds are not usual August fare in Rio.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not usual", consider whether a more specific synonym like "uncommon" or "atypical" would provide greater clarity or emphasis in your writing.

Common error

While "not usual" is generally acceptable, avoid using it in highly formal or academic writing where more precise and sophisticated vocabulary is expected. Consider using "uncommon", "atypical", or "anomalous" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not usual" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something is uncommon or deviates from the norm. Ludwig AI's examples show its role in describing situations, behaviors, or conditions that are atypical.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not usual" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed adjectival phrase signifying that something deviates from the norm. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively communicates that a situation, behavior, or event is uncommon or atypical. While versatile, it's essential to consider context, opting for more precise synonyms like "uncommon" or "atypical" in formal writing. Despite its wide acceptance, being mindful of the intended audience and communication setting is crucial for optimal clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncommon

Single word replacement; simpler and more direct.

atypical

Single word replacement; more formal and technical.

out of the ordinary

A more descriptive and emphatic way of saying something is "not usual".

rare

Indicates low frequency or occurrence; less emphasis on expectation.

unconventional

Suggests a departure from accepted norms or practices.

abnormal

Indicates a deviation from the standard or average, often in a negative context.

exceptional

Emphasizes the positive aspect of being "not usual", suggesting something is remarkably different.

irregular

Implies a lack of consistency or pattern.

novel

Stresses the new or innovative aspect of something that is "not usual".

unprecedented

Highlights the lack of prior instances or occurrences.

FAQs

What does "not usual" mean?

The phrase "not usual" means something is uncommon, atypical, or deviates from what is generally expected or ordinary.

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

You can use "not usual" to describe a situation, behavior, or event that is different from the norm. For example: "It's "not usual" for him to be late."

What can I say instead of "not usual"?

You can use alternatives like "uncommon", "atypical", or "out of the ordinary" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "not usual" or "unusual"?

Both "not usual" and "unusual" are acceptable, but "unusual" is often more concise. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Not usual" can sometimes imply a stronger deviation from the expected.