ordinarily

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'ordinarily' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean something which is usual or normal, not special or different in any way. For example, "Normally I go to the gym on Mondays, but this week I'm going on Tuesday because I'm busy today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Where ministers ordinarily shrink from lambasting civil servants, who can't answer back, Gove laid into the Home Office security chief, Charles Farr.

The Guardian

Most editors agree that early, constructive intervention in the thread by the authors is a way of defusing tension ordinarily but I don't think is likely to put off those with a disruptive agenda.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although there is no obvious Hughes note in my work, it does encourage you to be braver than you ordinarily would have been".

The Guardian

Ordinarily, such crash-and-burn tactics might give you grudging respect for the reporter.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a writer, I came to appreciate the interview as conversation in its ideal form: I'd ask questions that would ordinarily be considered rude, while my subjects invariably asked nothing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Half an hour ago I gave myself a fix," Trocchi wrote, "I stood the needle and the eye dropper in a glass of cold water and lay down on the bunk… The mind under heroin evades perception as it does ordinarily; one is aware only of contents.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But it still constitutes a dramatic reduction on government money spent on the poor – distorting a budget that ordinarily rises and falls depending on the performance of the economy.

The Guardian

That is because, in relation to the use of such science in criminal justice, commercial considerations of a kind which might ordinarily be applicable must take second place to the provision of all material which is relevant to establishing innocence or proving guilt.

The Guardian

Data transmitted over an unencrypted Wi-Fi link, it concluded, is not "readily accessible to the general public", as the terminology is ordinarily understood.

The Economist

Ordinarily, this is a low-pressure area which has the effect of sucking the truck backwards, something that adds to the rig's fuel consumption.The low-pressure area in the slipstream of a moving object is exploited in some sports such as cycle racing, speed skating and motor racing.

The Economist

Why some places are even more crowded than ordinarily thoughtWHEN population density is measured by standard methods (according to which population is divided by land area) small countries and territories such as Macau, Monaco and Singapore rank among the world's most crowded.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ordinarily" to set a baseline expectation before introducing an exception or deviation from the norm. This helps to clearly distinguish between typical and atypical situations.

Common error

Avoid using "ordinarily" excessively in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or technical language might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "typically" or "generally" for a more nuanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "ordinarily" functions as an adverb of manner, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate that an action or situation occurs in a typical or usual way. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and widespread presence across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ordinarily" serves as a versatile adverb indicating typical or usual occurrences. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Its presence across diverse sources, especially news and media, underscores its role in setting a baseline expectation. To enhance writing, use "ordinarily" to distinguish typical situations before introducing exceptions. Although versatile, avoid overuse in overly formal contexts, opting for alternatives such as "usually" or "typically" to maintain clarity and precision. By acknowledging the common errors and embracing best practices, you can ensure a polished and impactful message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

usually

Indicates a common or habitual occurrence, similar to "ordinarily" but with a more general emphasis on frequency.

normally

Implies a standard or regular pattern, closely related to "ordinarily" in denoting typical behavior or events.

typically

Highlights a characteristic or representative example, similar to "ordinarily" in describing common instances.

customarily

Emphasizes adherence to established customs or practices, sharing the sense of expected behavior with "ordinarily".

generally

Indicates a broad or common trend, similar to "ordinarily" but with a focus on overall patterns rather than specific instances.

as a rule

Highlights a common pattern or practice, functioning similarly to "ordinarily" in describing typical scenarios.

in general

Indicates a broad overview or common tendency, similar to "ordinarily" in presenting usual or expected conditions.

on average

Focuses on statistical norms, relating to "ordinarily" through the concept of typical or expected values.

by and large

Implies a general overview with minor exceptions, similar to "ordinarily" in acknowledging typical situations.

more often than not

Emphasizes a higher probability of occurrence, relating to "ordinarily" by denoting what is most commonly observed.

FAQs

How can I use "ordinarily" in a sentence?

You can use "ordinarily" to describe something that usually happens or is typically the case. For example, "Ordinarily, I would go to the park, but today it's raining."

What words are similar to "ordinarily"?

Similar words include "usually", "normally", and "typically". These words can often be used interchangeably depending on the context.

Is it better to use "ordinarily" or "usually"?

The choice between "ordinarily" and "usually" depends on the nuance you want to convey. "Ordinarily" can suggest a more formal or established pattern, while "usually" is more general. Both are correct.

What is the difference between "ordinarily" and "extraordinarily"?

"Ordinarily" means in a normal or usual way, while "extraordinarily" means in an exceptional or remarkable way. They are antonyms and describe opposite ends of a spectrum.