perfectly normal

USAGE SUMMARY

"perfectly normal" is a correct phrase and is commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, action, or behavior that is considered normal or typical. Here are some examples: - Despite what you may think, it is perfectly normal to feel nervous before a big presentation. - It is perfectly normal for toddlers to have tantrums during the "terrible twos" phase. - The doctor assured me that the rash on my skin is perfectly normal and will go away on its own. - It's perfectly normal for couples to argue from time to time, as long as they communicate and work through their issues. - After the intense workout, feeling sore and tired is perfectly normal and a sign of progress.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is perfectly normal.

Independent

Actually, it's perfectly normal.

The New York Times - Health

It is perfectly normal.

The New York Times

He looked perfectly normal.

The New York Times

And that's perfectly normal.

Harvard Business Review

The diagnosis: perfectly normal.

The New York Times - Tech

"Everything is perfectly normal".

The New York Times

It looked perfectly normal.

The New York Times

Dr It's perfectly normal.

The Guardian - Sport

All perfectly normal.

The Guardian - Books

That was perfectly normal.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "perfectly normal" to reassure someone about a situation or feeling, emphasizing that it's common and nothing to worry about.

Common error

Avoid using "perfectly normal" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your tone sound dismissive or insincere. Consider using alternative phrases to provide more nuance and variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perfectly normal" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase used to modify nouns. It indicates that something is within the expected range of variation and does not deviate from what is considered typical or standard. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is both correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "perfectly normal" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe something as typical or expected. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as academic writing. While it serves to reassure and validate, overuse can diminish its impact, suggesting the need for varied language. To enhance writing, consider alternatives like "completely typical" or "entirely ordinary" to maintain nuance and avoid sounding dismissive. Remember, though widely used, "perfectly normal" should be wielded thoughtfully to maintain clarity and sincerity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entirely ordinary

Emphasizes the commonness and lack of exceptional qualities.

completely typical

Highlights that the subject aligns with the standard expectation.

absolutely standard

Indicates full conformity to a recognized norm.

utterly unremarkable

Stresses the lack of distinctive features or interest.

nothing out of the ordinary

Specifically points out the absence of unusual or exceptional elements.

well within expectations

Focuses on the alignment of the outcome with prior anticipations.

quite conventional

Highlights adherence to established customs or practices.

plain vanilla

Informal expression indicating something lacks any special features.

as expected

Implies that the outcome matched pre-existing beliefs or predictions.

business as usual

Indicates a return to or continuation of normal operations or routines.

FAQs

How can I use "perfectly normal" in a sentence?

You can use "perfectly normal" to describe something that is typical or expected. For instance, "It's perfectly normal to feel nervous before an exam."

What are some alternatives to "perfectly normal"?

Alternatives include "completely typical", "entirely ordinary", or "absolutely standard" depending on the specific context.

Is it "perfectly normal" or "perfectly normally"?

"Perfectly normal" is correct because "normal" is an adjective, and it should be modified by the adverb "perfectly". "Normally" is an adverb, and wouldn't fit grammatically.

When is it appropriate to use "perfectly normal"?

Use "perfectly normal" when you want to reassure someone or describe a situation as typical and expected. It's useful for reducing anxiety or confirming that something is within acceptable parameters.