ordinarily you

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ordinarily you" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a typical behavior or expectation regarding someone in a general context. Example: "Ordinarily you would expect a response within 24 hours, but this time it took longer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

"Ordinarily, you enforce your own rights," Professor Malveaux said.

The New York Times

Ordinarily, you would need an SXSW badge to get in.

The New Yorker

But ordinarily you can see more than two-thirds of the Shinnecock Hills course.

The New York Times - Sports

"Ordinarily, you stay real close to your harp," Ms. Michaels said.

The New York Times - Style

Ordinarily you would say England are well on course to win this game.

The Guardian - Sport

Ordinarily, you might expect them to have sought each other out.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

That's all you can ask for, ordinarily, and you're likelier to get it from European directors, who are traditionally less burdened than we Yanks with scruples about making beauty out of evil, decay, even death itself.

The New York Times

This gave Conceptualism its traction: if you could change the way people ordinarily think, you could change the world.

The New York Times - Arts

Ordinarily, unless you wanted to go hungry that month, you'd leave the store.

BBC

Canedy: Plus, ordinarily if you feel inadequate about a story, within two days of reporting you no longer do.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ordinarily, if you say vicious things about the American government, talk about its problems, or even openly critical the American government, this is nothing very remarkable.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ordinarily you" to set up a contrast between a typical expectation and an exception. This can add nuance to your writing and make your point more impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "ordinarily you" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise language may be preferred. Consider alternatives like 'typically' or 'generally' for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ordinarily you" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or clause. It sets the stage for describing a situation or action that deviates from the norm, providing context for understanding the exception. Ludwig confirms this usage, showing frequent examples across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

13%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ordinarily you" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a typical expectation or behavior before contrasting it with something different. As validated by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and commonly used across diverse contexts like News & Media and Wiki. While generally neutral in tone, it's best to avoid it in highly formal writing where more precise terms may be better suited. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use "ordinarily you" to add depth and clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

typically you

Replaces 'ordinarily' with 'typically', suggesting a common pattern of behavior.

usually you

Substitutes 'ordinarily' with 'usually', indicating what is most often the case.

normally you

Uses 'normally' instead of 'ordinarily', highlighting standard or expected behavior.

under normal circumstances you

Expands the phrase to specify the condition of normality explicitly.

in general you

Replaces 'ordinarily' with 'in general', focusing on a broad overview of behavior.

as a rule you

Emphasizes that the statement is a general principle or guideline.

by and large you

Indicates that the statement is true for the most part, though there may be exceptions.

more often than not you

Highlights the frequency with which something occurs.

in most cases you

Specifies that the statement applies to the majority of situations.

conventionally you

Uses 'conventionally' to suggest adherence to established norms or customs.

FAQs

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

"Ordinarily you" is used to describe what would typically happen or what someone would usually do in a given situation. For example, "Ordinarily you would expect a faster response, but the system is currently experiencing delays."

What are some alternatives to "ordinarily you"?

Some alternatives to "ordinarily you" include "typically you", "usually you", or "normally you". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "ordinarily you would"?

Yes, "ordinarily you would" is a grammatically correct and common construction. It indicates what is generally expected or typical in a particular circumstance. You can also say "ordinarily you might".

What's the difference between "ordinarily you" and "generally you"?

While both "ordinarily you" and "generally you" express typical behavior, "ordinarily you" often implies a contrast with a specific exception. "Generally you" simply states what is commonly the case without necessarily implying an exception.