the norm

USAGE SUMMARY

"the norm" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to refer to something that is typical or standard in a particular context. Example: "In many cultures, punctuality is considered the norm." Alternative expressions include "the standard" and "the usual practice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is the norm.

The New Yorker

Change is the norm.

The New York Times

It becomes the norm.

The New Yorker

Nope, still the norm.

The New York Times

"Now it's the norm.

The New York Times - Sports

It's the norm".

Independent

Nudity is the norm.

The New York Times - Travel

Overcrowding is the norm.

The Economist

Today that's the norm.

The New York Times

That's usually the norm.

The New York Times

"It's become the norm".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the norm" to describe common practices or expectations within specific contexts. For example, "In this company, working overtime is the norm."

Common error

Avoid using "the norm" when you mean to describe an ideal or preferred state, rather than a common one. For example, instead of saying "Honesty should be the norm", consider "Honesty should be the ideal."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the norm" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a standard, typical, or expected state, behavior, or practice. Ludwig's examples showcase its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the norm" is a versatile phrase used to describe what is standard or typical in a given context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in News & Media, it maintains a neutral register and serves to inform about prevalent conditions or expected behaviors. Alternatives such as "the standard" or "the usual" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Remember to use "the norm" when describing common practices, and avoid using it in place of ideal states. With 59 real-world examples, this phrase demonstrates its consistent presence in describing prevailing conditions across different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the standard

Focuses on a level of quality or achievement that is considered acceptable or desirable.

the usual

Emphasizes what is most commonly experienced or done, highlighting frequency over expectation.

the average

Highlights a central value or level calculated by dividing the sum of the values by the number of values.

the expectation

Focuses on what is anticipated or predicted based on past experience or understanding.

the rule

Suggests a principle or instruction that guides behavior or action in a specific situation.

the convention

Emphasizes an established practice or custom that is widely accepted and followed.

the custom

Highlights a traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something.

the status quo

Focuses on the existing state of affairs, especially regarding social or political issues.

the going rate

Emphasizes the prevailing price or cost for something in a particular market or industry.

the done thing

Highlights what is socially acceptable or considered appropriate behavior in a particular situation.

FAQs

How can I use "the norm" in a sentence?

You can use "the norm" to describe something that is typical or standard. For instance, "In this industry, long hours are "the norm"".

What are some alternatives to using "the norm"?

Alternatives include "the standard", "the usual", or "the average", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "the norm" in writing?

"The norm" is appropriate when you want to indicate that something is typical or expected within a certain context. It's suitable for both formal and informal writing.

Is there a difference between "the norm" and "normal"?

Yes, "the norm" refers to a standard or typical practice, while "normal" describes a state of being. For example, "Wearing a suit to work was "the norm"", while "It's normal to feel nervous before a presentation".