ordinarily might

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ordinarily might" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a possibility or likelihood that is typical or expected under normal circumstances. Example: "Under normal conditions, she ordinarily might choose to attend the meeting, but today she has other commitments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

His rural, homespun demeanor ordinarily might elicit snickers from India's urban elite.

The New York Times

"We were going to have to conduct ourselves differently than we ordinarily might have because of this change in psychology".

The New York Times

On at least three points, he stopped, declining to chase a ball that he ordinarily might have reached.

The New York Times

You have to take what ordinarily might seem like a minor crime, you have to take that very seriously".

The New York Times

The emphasis on New Jersey makes for an exhibition with a high comfort level for visitors who ordinarily might be intimidated by science.

The New York Times

GP Having shared eight goals, a red card and a penalty kick between them, competing coaches Owen Coyle and Peter Vermes ordinarily might have shrugged and shook hands at full-time, putting the result down as a mere unaccountable quirk.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"Ordinarily, one might think that a filing on behalf of the United States might be viewed more seriously due to the moral authority of the federal government.

Vice

Ordinarily this might grate.

The New York Times - Books

Ordinarily, it might be worth the risk.

The New York Times

Ordinarily I might never have met Louise Gerace.

The New York Times

Ordinarily, people might welcome quieter cars on the roads.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ordinarily might" to suggest a typical expectation that may not always hold true. It adds a nuance of possibility and potential deviation from the norm.

Common error

Avoid using "ordinarily might" excessively in formal or scientific writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound less direct than stronger alternatives like "typically would" or "usually does".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ordinarily might" functions as an adverbial modifier indicating a typical or expected possibility. It is used to qualify a verb, suggesting that something is likely to occur under normal circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Ordinarily might" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a typical or expected possibility, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not exceedingly common, it appears in reliable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. Its function is to qualify a verb, suggesting a likely outcome under normal circumstances. Related phrases include "usually could" and "typically may", offering subtle differences in emphasis. When writing, use "ordinarily might" to convey expectations that might not always be met, but avoid overuse in highly formal contexts where more direct alternatives may be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

normally would

Highlights what is expected under normal circumstances.

usually could

Focuses more on typical ability or capacity, rather than likelihood.

typically may

Emphasizes typicality more strongly, implying a common pattern.

commonly would

Focuses on how something is generally or widely done or expected.

generally could

Indicates a broad tendency, less specific than "ordinarily".

customarily would

Stresses adherence to custom or habit.

in most cases would

Indicates what would occur in the majority of situations.

in general could

Expresses the potential in a general manner rather than specifically as a habit.

under normal circumstances could

More verbose alternative specifying the conditions.

on average could

Highlights what is statistically expected or likely.

FAQs

How can I use "ordinarily might" in a sentence?

Use "ordinarily might" to describe something that would typically or usually happen, but not necessarily in every situation. For example, "She "ordinarily might" go to the party, but she is feeling unwell tonight."

What are some alternatives to "ordinarily might"?

Alternatives include "usually would", "typically may", or "normally would". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. For example: "She "usually would" attend the meeting."

Is it correct to say "ordinarily will" instead of "ordinarily might"?

While "ordinarily will" isn't incorrect, it suggests a higher degree of certainty than "ordinarily might". "Ordinarily might" implies a possibility or likelihood, whereas "ordinarily will" suggests a more predictable outcome. For example: "She "ordinarily will" arrive at 8 am" vs. "She "ordinarily might" arrive at 8 am, depending on traffic."

What is the difference between "ordinarily might" and "usually might"?

The phrases "ordinarily might" and "usually might" are very similar, but "ordinarily" emphasizes a more established pattern or convention than "usually". Using "ordinarily might" implies there is an expected course of events while using "usually might" simply suggests a normal action.