ordinary behaviour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ordinary behaviour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or conduct that are typical or expected in a given context. Example: "His ordinary behaviour at the meeting did not raise any suspicions among his colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The papers have tried to jump on her perfectly ordinary behaviour and turn it into news.

The Guardian

A compromise was reached which exempted government departments over policy or "core public functions", but not their ordinary behaviour as employers.Despite all the discussion, the bill remains complicated.

The Economist

Posttraumatic amnesia is sometimes observed after mild head injury without loss of consciousness and with no apparent change in ordinary behaviour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, there is strategy, there are tactics and, as former Australian captain Ricky Ponting pointed out at Cardiff the last time England went on such a go-slow, extremely "ordinary behaviour".

Independent

When a Labour supporter of Young's told me this morning that his foes had dug up a drink-driving conviction from the 80s, I thought it a point in his favour, a bit of ordinary behaviour we can all understand: wrong, but human.

The Guardian

The aura of crime has seeped into every cell of ordinary behaviour: the city officials are corrupt; the night man (Dennis Weaver) needs a rest home; and the gang that come to the motel to get Susie are one of the first warnings of drugs in American movies.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

As with any adaptation, new signals evolve from existing body structures, organs, physiological processes, and ordinary behaviours that animals already possess for nonsignaling functions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The epiphanic moment in The Psychopath Test comes when Ronson asks Robert Spitzer, the editor under whose aegis the DSM expanded from a slim booklet to a biblical tome, whether it's possible that "he'd inadvertently created a world in which some ordinary behaviours were being labelled mental disorders", and Spitzer answers: "I don't know".

The Guardian - Books

The opposing school of thought, maintained by academics like David Cohen and Robert Todd Carroll, is that parents label their children as indigo instead of seeking proper diagnosis for the out-of-the-ordinary behaviour they're displaying.

Vice

In mathematical terms, models based on ordinary differential equations (ODEs) can often be used to describe the average behaviour of a large population of cells.

BMC Systems Biology

This is, he says, quantifiably different from ordinary teenage behaviour.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ordinary behaviour" to normalize actions or emphasize the lack of unusual elements in a situation. This can be particularly useful in legal, medical, or social contexts where distinguishing typical conduct from atypical conduct is crucial.

Common error

While "ordinary behaviour" is acceptable, avoid overuse, which can make your writing monotonous. Employ synonyms like "typical conduct" or "normal behavior" to add variety and nuance to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ordinary behaviour" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'ordinary' modifies 'behaviour'. It refers to conduct that is typical, expected, or unremarkable. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples showcasing its application in describing routine actions and societal norms.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

29%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ordinary behaviour" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe typical or expected conduct. Ludwig AI's analysis shows it's most commonly found in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific sources, indicating a neutral formality level. While synonyms like "typical conduct" and "normal behavior" exist, understanding the subtle nuances can enhance writing precision. Using "ordinary behaviour" effectively involves recognizing its role in normalizing actions and distinguishing them from atypical conduct, as well as avoiding overuse to maintain writing variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

typical conduct

Focuses on the commonness and expected nature of the behavior.

normal behavior

Emphasizes conformity to a standard or average.

common practice

Highlights the habitual or customary aspect of the behavior.

standard procedure

Stresses adherence to established protocols or norms.

routine actions

Implies a repetitive and predictable sequence of behaviors.

everyday activities

Focuses on actions performed regularly in daily life.

conventional manners

Refers specifically to socially accepted ways of behaving.

accepted norms

Highlights behaviors that align with societal or group expectations.

customary actions

Stresses behaviors that are traditional or long-established.

general conduct

Refers to overall behavior, encompassing a wide range of actions.

FAQs

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

You can use "ordinary behaviour" to describe actions that are typical or expected. For example: "His ordinary behaviour at the meeting did not raise any suspicions."

What is a good substitute for "ordinary behaviour"?

Alternatives include "typical conduct", "normal behavior", or "common practice", depending on the context.

Is "ordinary behaviour" the same as "normal behaviour"?

While similar, "ordinary behaviour" suggests routine and expected actions, whereas "normal behavior" implies conformity to a standard or average. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "ordinary behaviour" in writing?

Use "ordinary behaviour" when you want to emphasize that actions are typical, expected, or unremarkable within a specific context. It's useful in situations where contrasting with unusual or unexpected behaviour is important.