ordinary activity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ordinary activity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a common or typical action or task that is part of daily life or routine. Example: "Going for a walk in the park is an ordinary activity that many people enjoy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"The ordinary activity of the devil is temptation," Paprocki said.

The Guardian - Opinion

Trolls, to switch metaphors, are like cancer cells: they mimic ordinary activity, namely the assertion of patent rights.

The New Yorker

Although breathing is considered a very natural and ordinary activity, there are times when you can forget how.

The New Yorker

IF you take a word for a perfectly ordinary activity and stick "quantum" in front of it, you get something that sounds mysterious and powerful -- or perhaps bogus.

The New York Times - Books

In such instances, working through the pain may offer the brain contradictory feedback — a signal that ordinary activity does not, in fact, cause physical harm.

The New Yorker

He usually depicted her alone, absorbed in some ordinary activity like sewing or fixing her hair or, more often, posing nude in the manner of a Greco-Roman Venus or a Titianesque courtesan.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Not only did the theatres thrive, pools of gaslight added a theatrical glow to ordinary activities.

The Guardian - Books

The idea is to bring mindful attention to ordinary activities and just focus and observe.

The Guardian

One can examine life's ordinary activities according to three domains: work, nonwork obligation, and leisure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mrs. Brescia will be remembered for her vibrant approach to ordinary activities of daily life and film, sports and theatre.

The New York Times

You can't just say, "Let's go out and eat" – you have to plan ordinary activities, then execute them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ordinary activity" to emphasize the unexceptional or routine nature of an action. It's effective when contrasting it with something unusual or extraordinary.

Common error

Avoid using "ordinary activity" as a catch-all. Sometimes, a more descriptive noun or verb will provide a clearer and more impactful message. For example, instead of saying "ordinary activity", try specifying the actual task: "daily commute", "routine check-up", or "grocery shopping".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ordinary activity" typically functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "ordinary" modifies the noun "activity". It describes a common, routine, or typical action, as Ludwig examples show.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

32%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ordinary activity" is a phrase used to describe actions that are commonplace and routine. Ludwig shows that it is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news, scientific, and general contexts. While widely accepted, remember that sometimes a more specific term can provide greater clarity. Synonyms like "routine activity" or "everyday activity" can be used depending on the specific meaning you want to convey. The phrase serves to emphasize the unexceptional nature of certain actions, often in contrast to more extraordinary events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commonplace activity

Emphasizes the commonness and lack of uniqueness of the activity.

routine activity

Focuses on the habitual and predictable nature of the activity.

everyday activity

Highlights the daily occurrence of the activity.

usual activity

Stresses the typical or expected nature of the activity.

mundane activity

Underscores the ordinariness and lack of excitement associated with the activity.

typical activity

Implies that the activity is representative of a certain pattern or norm.

normal activity

Indicates that the activity is within the bounds of what is considered standard or regular.

regular activity

Highlights the consistent and recurring nature of the activity.

standard activity

Indicates the activity is a benchmark or accepted practice.

conventional activity

Suggests the activity adheres to established customs or norms.

FAQs

How can I use "ordinary activity" in a sentence?

You can use "ordinary activity" to describe actions that are commonplace and not unusual. For example, "Walking to work is an "ordinary activity" for many city dwellers."

What are some synonyms for "ordinary activity"?

Alternatives to "ordinary activity" include "routine activity", "everyday activity", or "commonplace activity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "an ordinary activity" or "a ordinary activity"?

It is correct to say "an ordinary activity". The article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

What is the difference between "ordinary activity" and "extraordinary activity"?

"Ordinary activity" refers to routine or commonplace actions, while "extraordinary activity" describes actions that are exceptional, unusual, or beyond the norm.