the normal order of things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the normal order of things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the expected or typical way that events or situations occur in life. Example: "When the unexpected happens, it can disrupt the normal order of things and create chaos."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The normal order of things at a university is that the young learn from the old.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the normal order of things, television might have rewarded his razor wit with a so-so sitcom.

The New York Times - Arts

In the normal order of things, an interview with a Hollywood actor observes the form of a transaction.

The Guardian - Film

There may well be a feeling that he has changed sides and reversed the normal order of things – the gamekeeper has become the poacher.

The Guardian

There are legions of aging, liberal baby boomers who believe that some amalgam of memories from the 1950's and 60's amounts to the normal order of things.

The New York Times - Books

There are three distinct alters, all of them disruptive to the normal order of things, but Tara's teen-age kids, Marshall and Kate Keir Gilchristt and Brie Larson), barely bat an eye at their doings.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Since there is always the possibility that something happens against the natural and normal order of things, there are exceptions to what is 'fated' and there is room for chance and the fortuitous.

SEP

According to the normal order of succession, Microsoft's Xbox 360 should have become king when Sony fumbled the ball.

TechCrunch

President Barack Obama famously ran on overturning the normal order of special interest favors in Washington.

Huffington Post

They could go to the site of a natural disaster and say anodyne words that were just part of the normal, sad order of things.

The New Yorker

Shaker is a Shiite Muslim, and he was appalled by this inversion of the normal order.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the normal order of things" to describe situations where a deviation from the expected course of events is notable or surprising. This highlights the disruption or abnormality.

Common error

Avoid using "the normal order of things" when the context already clearly implies a standard or expected procedure. Redundancy can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the normal order of things" functions as a noun phrase. It generally acts as a subject or object in a sentence, describing a customary or expected state. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatically correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the normal order of things" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes the expected or typical way events unfold. As Ludwig AI highlights, it functions as a noun phrase and is versatile enough for use in various contexts, though it appears most frequently in news and media. When employing this phrase, be mindful of potential redundancies and consider related phrases like "the standard procedure" or "the natural course of events" for nuanced meanings. As a user, be sure that Ludwig examples and suggestions will help you in improving your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the natural course of events

Implies an inherent or inevitable progression.

the regular state of affairs

Underscores the consistent condition or situation.

the way things usually happen

Focuses on the typical course of events.

the typical sequence

Focuses on the common ordering of events.

the expected course of events

Highlights anticipation and predictability.

the established pattern

Highlights the predictable sequence or design.

the standard procedure

Emphasizes the established method or protocol.

the accustomed way

Emphasizes familiarity and habit.

the conventional arrangement

Stresses traditional or accepted organization.

the prevailing system

Highlights the current or dominant structure.

FAQs

How can I use "the normal order of things" in a sentence?

You can use "the normal order of things" to describe an expected sequence or arrangement. For example, "The pandemic disrupted "the normal order of things" in the workplace."

What is a more formal alternative to "the normal order of things"?

A more formal alternative could be "the established procedure" or "the conventional arrangement", depending on the context.

How does "the normal order of things" differ from "the natural order of things"?

"The natural order of things" implies an inherent or inevitable progression, while "the normal order of things" refers to what is typically expected or customary. In some situations, these phrases might be interchangeable, but not always.

Is it correct to say "in the normal order of things"?

Yes, it is correct. The preposition "in" is often used to set the context. For example, "In "the normal order of things", students graduate before starting their careers."