the same as always

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the same as always" is completely correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to compare something that has not changed to an earlier state or condition. For example: "My grandmother's habits have stayed the same as always - she still wakes up early to make breakfast."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

The New Yorker

The New York Times

The Guardian

Huffington Post

Independent

TechCrunch

BBC

Science Magazine

Vice

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The same as always.

The Guardian - Sport

"I do the same as always.

Independent

You look the same as always".

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

"It's exactly the same as always," he responded.

The New York Times - Sports

The day's program, it seemed, was the same as always.

The New Yorker

Xalitzintla nonetheless seems to be much the same as always.

The New York Times

But he acted exactly the same as always.

The New Yorker

The menu is much the same as always.

The New York Times - Food

So he carried his team the same as always.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the same as always" when you want to highlight a lack of change or a continuation of a previous state, either positively or negatively. This phrase can add emphasis and familiarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "the same as always" excessively in formal or academic writing. While acceptable, it can sometimes sound too casual. Opt for more formal alternatives like "consistently" or "without variation" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the same as always" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a state of consistency or continuation. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing unchanging conditions, behaviors, or routines.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the same as always" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a lack of change or continuation of a previous state. As Ludwig examples show, it appears frequently in news and media, as well as informal contexts. While versatile, it may be less appropriate for formal or academic writing where more precise language is preferred. As Ludwig also underlines, there are multiple alternatives such as "just like before" and "as it always has been" that users can adopt to slightly change the tone of the statement. Therefore, consider your audience and the desired level of formality when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as per usual

Similar to "the same as always" but has a more conversational tone.

just like before

Focuses on the similarity to a previous state or instance.

as it always has been

Emphasizes the continuation of a condition or behavior over time.

remaining unchanged

Highlights the lack of alteration or modification.

no different than usual

Indicates that the current situation is typical or expected.

same as it ever was

Emphasizes a sense of unchanging reality, often used to express frustration or resignation.

in its usual form

Highlights that something appears or happens in its customary manner.

business as usual

Suggests that routine operations are continuing despite disruptions.

status quo

Refers to the existing state of affairs, implying a lack of progress or innovation.

like clockwork

Emphasizes the predictable and consistent nature of an event or process.

FAQs

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

You can use "the same as always" to indicate that something remains unchanged. For example, "Despite the challenges, his dedication to his work remained "the same as always"".

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

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "consistently", "without variation", or "as it has always been". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "like always" instead of "the same as always"?

While "like always" is used colloquially, it's generally considered less formal and grammatically correct than "the same as always". Prefer "the same as always" in formal writing.

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

It implies that a particular situation or behavior has not changed over time and is consistent with previous occurrences. It can be used to express predictability, routine, or even a lack of progress.