same as always

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "same as always" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is often used to express that a situation, event, or occurrence is the same as typical or expected. For example, you might say "The meeting went the same as always," to mean that the meeting occurred as expected.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Literature

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Or are things, on balance, the same as always?

The New York Times

Again, same as always.

The New York Times - Sports

Same as always.

The New York Times - Sports

Same as always, chronology foremost?

The New Yorker

"Wednesdays, Thursdays, same as always".

The New York Times

"The same as always.

The Guardian - Sport

"I do the same as always.

Independent

"The violence, it's the same as always".

The New York Times

But that's not the same as always getting it right.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The central questions hung over the proceedings, the same as always.

The New York Times - Sports

"He was running everywhere and running the same as always," del Potro said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and context when using "same as always". While generally neutral, overuse can imply boredom or resignation.

Common error

While "same as always" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "status quo" or "consistent with prior observations" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "same as always" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that a situation or action is occurring in a manner consistent with past occurrences. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sport

25%

Literature

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "same as always" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate that a situation or action remains consistent with past occurrences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, sports, and literature. While generally neutral, its use in formal academic writing may be less suitable. For more formal contexts consider using alternatives as "as before", "in the usual manner", or "consistent with previous results". When aiming to convey routine or predictability, "same as always" remains a reliable and easily understood choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just like before

Replaces "same" with "just like", emphasizing the similarity to a previous state.

as it always was

Shifts the focus to the past, highlighting the continuity of the situation.

no different than usual

Emphasizes the lack of deviation from the typical or expected.

business as usual

A more concise and idiomatic expression for a return to normal operations.

status quo

A formal term indicating the existing state of affairs remains unchanged.

as per usual

A slightly more informal variation of "as usual", conveying the same meaning.

nothing's changed

A straightforward statement that the situation is unchanged.

the norm

Indicates that the current situation is typical and expected.

as is typical

Highlights the typicality of the current situation.

ever the same

Emphasizes that a characteristic or situation hasn't changed over time.

FAQs

How can I use "same as always" in a sentence?

You can use "same as always" to indicate that something is happening in the usual or expected way. For example, "The team performed "same as always", securing another victory."

What's a more formal alternative to "same as always"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "as before", "in the usual manner", or "consistent with previous results".

Is it okay to use "same as always" in professional emails?

While acceptable, using "same as always" in professional emails depends on your relationship with the recipient. If in doubt, opt for more formal language such as "as usual" or "according to routine".

What does "same as always" imply about a situation?

The phrase "same as always" implies a lack of change or deviation from the norm. It suggests that the situation is predictable and consistent with past experiences.