the norm is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the norm is" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used when discussing something that is considered standard or typical in a particular situation or society. Example: In most Western cultures, the norm is for men to wear suits and ties to work, while women are expected to wear professional dresses or suits.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In contrast, in ancient symbiosis the norm is bacterial symbionts with small genomes and few or no ISs [ 10].

BMC Genomics

The norm is 127 days.

The New York Times

The norm is more like 90 percent.

The New York Times

(The norm is 50percentt).

The New York Times

The norm is capable of change.

The New York Times - Magazine

In Aspen, the norm is $400".

The New York Times

The norm is 55 to 65 days.

The New York Times

Deviating from the norm is fine, unless everyone finds out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That way, we'll know what the norm is.

The Guardian

A. I don't know what the norm is.

The New York Times - Arts

The norm is to adapt and grow following trauma.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the norm is", ensure that the context clearly defines the group or situation in which something is considered standard. For example, specify "In this industry, the norm is..."

Common error

Avoid assuming that what's "the norm" in one context applies universally. Clearly define the boundaries of your statement to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the norm is" functions as a predicative expression, identifying what is considered standard, typical, or usual within a given context. It is commonly used to describe accepted practices or behaviors, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the norm is" serves to define typical behaviors or standards within a context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral register appropriate for various settings. However, more formal alternatives exist for professional or academic writing. Be mindful of clearly defining the scope of "the norm" to avoid misinterpretations. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively utilize "the norm is" to convey standards accurately and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is typical

Emphasizes typicality rather than explicitly stating something as a standard.

it is standard

Focuses on the standardized aspect, implying adherence to a specific level or requirement.

it is common practice

Highlights that something is frequently done or observed in a particular setting.

it is customary

Suggests that something is established by long-standing tradition or habit.

it is usual

Indicates that something is what generally happens or is expected.

it's the rule

Conveys that something is a strict guideline or regulation.

it is generally accepted

Focuses on widespread agreement or approval of something.

it is the standard procedure

Specifies that something is the established way of doing things.

that's how it usually goes

Expresses a typical course of events in an informal manner.

it's par for the course

Implies that something is to be expected, often in a negative or challenging situation.

FAQs

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

Use "the norm is" to describe what is typical or standard in a particular situation. For example, "In this company, "the norm is" to arrive 15 minutes early for meetings".

What are some alternatives to saying "the norm is"?

You can use phrases like "it is typical", "it is standard", or "it is common practice" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "the norm is" in formal writing?

While "the norm is" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "it is customary" or "it is the standard procedure" in highly formal contexts.

What's the difference between "the norm is" and "the standard is"?

"The norm is" describes what is generally done, while "the standard is" refers to a specific level of quality or performance that is expected. They are often interchangeable, but "the standard" implies a more defined benchmark.