routine stuff

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "routine stuff" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to everyday tasks or activities that are considered normal or standard. Example: "I spent the morning handling some routine stuff before diving into more complex projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Routine stuff".

The New Yorker

Routine stuff now, but unusual in its day.

The Guardian - Film

Routine stuff these days; less so in 1982.

The Guardian - Sport

"Parson wanted to know anything that was on Koster's desk other than routine stuff," Ritchie said.

The New Yorker

"But everybody thought it was routine stuff and that the Cowboys would win.

The New York Times - Sports

That plane sailing into a skyscraper is the routine stuff of dreams and childhood fantasies.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

As the phrase "slice of life" implies, the series depicts routine, everyday stuff.

Vice

His classic, often-repeated routine about "stuff" – "that's all your house is," he reflects, "a place to keep your stuff while you go out and get more stuff" – is almost Shakespearean in the compulsive rhythm of its wordplay, but is it actually funny?

The Guardian

"What it feels like is that the state legislatures are really fixated on the routine budgetary stuff, trying to keep their ships afloat," said John G. Matsusaka, president of the Initiative and Referendum Institute at the University of Southern California.

The New York Times

Playing Dr Jenny Davin in The Unknown Girl, you've clearly absorbed the body language of a GP – we see you taking pulses, filling in forms, doing a lot of routine daily stuff.

The Guardian

There are interior shots - one is a bodega where Scope mouthwash competes with Formula 44 cough mixture for attention, another is a club or apartment where a table lamp illuminates an official-looking "license to dream". This is fairly routine ethnic stuff with the climax being a shot of a house on Fox Street blazing like a fireworks display.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "routine stuff" to downplay tasks that may seem insignificant but are essential for the overall process.

Common error

Avoid using "routine stuff" in formal or academic writing; instead, opt for more specific and professional terms such as "standard procedures" or "typical tasks".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "routine stuff" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to tasks, activities, or procedures that are considered normal, standard, or unexceptional. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "routine stuff" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase referring to standard, everyday tasks. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, though it also appears in science and business. While generally acceptable, it is best to avoid using "routine stuff" in formal writing, opting instead for alternatives like "standard procedures" or "typical tasks" for a more professional tone. Remember to ensure the context clarifies the specific tasks or activities being referenced to prevent ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ordinary matters

Emphasizes the common and unremarkable nature of the tasks.

typical tasks

Highlights the standardized and expected nature of the duties.

standard procedures

Focuses on the established and regularized processes.

everyday activities

Draws attention to the daily and commonplace aspect of the actions.

normal duties

Stresses the expected and regular nature of the responsibilities.

commonplace things

Highlights the unexceptional and frequent occurrence of the items.

usual business

Indicates the customary and regular affairs or transactions.

mundane affairs

Emphasizes the dull and unexciting nature of the activities.

regular operations

Focuses on the consistent and ongoing processes.

boilerplate items

Highlights the standardized and often repetitive nature of the elements.

FAQs

How can I use "routine stuff" in a sentence?

You can use "routine stuff" to refer to everyday tasks or activities. For example, "I spent the morning handling some routine stuff before diving into more complex projects."

What are some alternatives to "routine stuff"?

You can use alternatives like "ordinary matters", "typical tasks", or "standard procedures" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "routine stuff" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "routine stuff" is generally more appropriate for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise terms like "standard procedures" or "typical tasks".

What's the difference between "routine stuff" and "everyday activities"?

"Routine stuff" and "everyday activities" are similar, but "routine stuff" often implies tasks that are less engaging or more mundane, while "everyday activities" is a broader term encompassing all daily actions.