pretty as usual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pretty as usual" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that consistently appears attractive or appealing. Example: "She walked into the room, looking pretty as usual, and everyone turned to admire her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This rainy summer has not been kind to the berries that Franca Tantillo, below, sells in the Union Square Greenmarket on Wednesdays and Fridays: they taste just fine but are not as pretty as usual.

The New York Times - Food

If you already receive a generous allowance but need a bit more for a pedicure or haircut, explain that you're not feeling as pretty as usual and need some extra financial help.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Ramatuelle has continued leasing out lots on Pampelonne, and business has been pretty much as usual.

The New York Times

I happened to go to London just after the London bombings and the streets looked pretty much as usual".

The Guardian

SHAM results from a sham election for a sham parliament in other words, business pretty much as usual for poor Belarus.

The Economist

"People are getting back into gear, and they're going to be traveling, with business pretty much as usual in the next couple of days".

The New York Times

Let's say that we have every intention of one day in the future coming down very hard on people who avoid tax, apart from the really big corporations, which can carry on pretty much as usual.

The Guardian

Yet Downton creator Julian Fellowes' skill at undercutting moments of high-drama with comedy remains, and viewers who may be alarmed at this diversion into domestic politics will be reassured in the knowledge that business remains pretty much as usual for the series, which is now screened in 255 countries, and which has received 12 Emmy award nominations.

Independent

The plot may turn on the discovery of a corpse, but the real star of Ellis's 10th novel is the ever so chatty domestic milieu in which housewives disappear, neighbors idly speculate and life goes on pretty much as usual.

The New York Times - Books

Wall Street got what it wanted: business pretty much as usual.

Forbes

Still, black market dealers said their lower prices and personal relationships with customers have allowed them to continue with business pretty much as usual.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pretty as usual" to describe a consistent state of attractiveness or normalcy, often implying a sense of familiarity or expectation. It can be used to describe people, objects, or even situations that maintain a pleasant or appealing quality.

Common error

While "pretty as usual" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "consistently attractive" or "always appealing" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretty as usual" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It adds a sense of consistency or normalcy to the description, as seen in Ludwig's examples where it describes someone's appearance or a situation's state.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pretty as usual" is a grammatically sound and relatively informal expression used to describe a consistent state of attractiveness or normalcy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English, though more formal contexts may benefit from alternative phrasings. While its frequency is rare, it effectively conveys a sense of familiarity or expectation. When using the phrase, keep in mind it's best suited for informal contexts and remember there are many beautiful as always and lovely as ever to consider.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beautiful as always

Replaces 'pretty' with 'beautiful', emphasizing a stronger level of attractiveness and 'usual' with 'always' for a more generalized expression of consistency.

lovely as ever

Substitutes 'pretty' with 'lovely' and 'usual' with 'ever', conveying a timeless sense of charm.

attractive as before

Uses 'attractive' in place of 'pretty' and 'before' to indicate a comparison to a previous state.

stunning as always

Replaces 'pretty' with 'stunning', emphasizing a high degree of visual appeal.

handsome as always

Replaces "pretty" with "handsome", it emphasizes a high degree of visual appeal but mostly referred to men.

charming as always

Substitutes 'pretty' with 'charming', focusing on an engaging and delightful quality.

fair as always

Replaces 'pretty' with 'fair', indicating beauty in a more traditional or classical sense.

good-looking as ever

Uses a more casual term, 'good-looking', in place of 'pretty', maintaining the sense of consistent appeal.

striking as always

Replaces 'pretty' with 'striking', suggesting a noticeable and memorable attractiveness.

appealing as always

Substitutes 'pretty' with 'appealing', emphasizing an attractive quality that draws interest or admiration.

FAQs

How can I use "pretty as usual" in a sentence?

You can use "pretty as usual" to describe someone or something that maintains a consistent level of attractiveness. For example, "She arrived at the party, looking "pretty as usual", and everyone admired her dress."

What are some alternatives to "pretty as usual"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "beautiful as always", "lovely as ever", or "attractive as before" as alternatives to "pretty as usual".

Is "pretty as usual" formal or informal?

"Pretty as usual" leans towards the informal side. In more formal settings, consider using phrases like "consistently attractive" or "always appealing".

What does "pretty as usual" imply?

"Pretty as usual" implies that the subject in question consistently exhibits an attractive or appealing quality, suggesting a sense of predictability and familiarity. It acknowledges that their appearance or state is in line with expectations.