ordinarily only

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ordinarily only" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something typically occurs or is true in a limited or exclusive manner. Example: "Ordinarily only experienced professionals are considered for this position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Ordinarily, only a handful leave with each election cycle.

The New York Times

Ordinarily, only a fraction of a novel's dialogue can be included.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The SNP recorded the sorts of swings ordinarily only found in by-elections, except across Scotland.

Independent

We are ordinarily only called to defend it for undesirable people and at undesirable times".

The Guardian

Similarly, Werner Aisslinger has used moulded hemp to produce a stackable cantilevered chair, ordinarily only made out of plastic.

The Guardian - Arts

(Bare-bones so-called "catastrophic plans", which offer only minimal coverage, are ordinarily only permitted for people under the age of 30).

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"I know of no systematic studies of comparative recidivism rates," said James Q . Whitman who teaches comparative criminal law at Yale. "I believe there are recidivism problems in countries like Germany and France, since those are countries that ordinarily incarcerate only dangerous offenders, but at some point they let them out and bad things can happen".

The New York Times

The Governor-General ordinarily acts only upon the advice of the government, but can act independently and against advice in exercising the reserve powers.

Wikipedia

"Ordinarily, it only gets like this in August".

The New Yorker

DMD is an X-linked disorder that ordinarily affects only males.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Now, she walked out, exploring the streets that she ordinarily saw only from her car.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ordinarily only" to clearly convey that a situation or condition is generally limited to specific circumstances or individuals. For example, "Ordinarily only senior members are allowed access to this data."

Common error

Avoid using "ordinarily only" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound less sophisticated than alternatives like "typically" or "usually".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ordinarily only" functions as an adverbial modifier, limiting the scope or application of a statement. It indicates a typical condition or restriction, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ordinarily only" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial modifier that conveys a sense of limitation or restriction. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous real-world examples. It is most commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. While suitable for most writing, consider slightly more formal options in strictly academic settings. Remember to use it to clearly specify that something typically applies under certain limited conditions or to specific individuals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

typically solely

Emphasizes typicality and exclusivity more strongly than "ordinarily only".

usually just

More informal and emphasizes the common occurrence of a limitation.

generally solely

Highlights that something is true in most cases, with a stronger emphasis on exclusivity.

normally exclusively

Implies adherence to a norm with a focus on excluding other possibilities.

customarily solely

Focuses on tradition and custom as the basis for the limitation.

commonly exclusively

Highlights how widely accepted a certain exclusivity is.

in general merely

Focuses on a broad trend of something that is just occurring.

for the most part solely

Highlights that there are very few exceptions to something that is solely occurring.

almost always exclusively

Strongly suggests that the exclusivity is rarely broken.

typically limited to

Highlights that there is a specific limit for something.

FAQs

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

You can use "ordinarily only" to indicate that something is generally restricted to specific cases or people. For instance, "Ordinarily only employees are allowed in this area."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "ordinarily only"?

Similar phrases include "typically only", "usually just", or "generally solely". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "only ordinarily" instead of "ordinarily only"?

While "only ordinarily" might be grammatically understandable, it's less common and can sound awkward. "Ordinarily only" is the standard and more natural phrasing.

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

"Ordinarily only" and "usually only" are quite similar, but "ordinarily" can imply a slightly more formal or structured expectation than "usually". Choose the one that best fits the tone of your writing.