the usual order

USAGE SUMMARY

"the usual order" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when referring to something that has become a regular habit or procedure, or when you are trying to restore the normal way of doing things. For example: "After months of disruption, the team is trying to return to the usual order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Tell them I'm not here," is the usual order.

The New York Times

In fact, though, it is the usual order of things.

The New Yorker

Not the usual order of things, but not impossible.

The Guardian - Opinion

For the usual order has been turned on its head.

The Guardian - Arts

This is not the usual order of things in science.

The Guardian

Mackintosh played tricks throughout the building, inverting the usual order of things.

The Guardian - Opinion

They all were accounted for in the usual order, led by General Secretary Leonid I. Brezhnev.

The New York Times

The usual order is sutra bhashya varttika (collection of critical notes)–tika.

Britannica

The actor-envy inspired by the five-member cast here isn't of the usual order.

The New York Times

Gender-wise, it flipped the usual order of the pickup scene.

The New York Times

"Shoot first, ask questions later" is the usual order of the day.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When something deviates from expectations or established practice, use "the usual order" to underscore the contrast and highlight the abnormality.

Common error

Avoid using "the usual order" when referring to something that is merely preferred or personally customary, rather than a broadly recognized or established procedure. The term implies a widespread or conventional practice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the usual order" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. The phrase refers to a standard, established, or expected sequence or arrangement of things.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

29%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the usual order" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase across diverse contexts, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving to describe established sequences or procedures. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science, its neutral register makes it versatile for various audiences. To enhance your writing, use "the usual order" to emphasize predictability and highlight deviations from accepted norms, while ensuring it refers to widely recognized practices rather than personal preferences. When seeking alternatives, consider "the traditional order" or "the standard procedure" to maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the traditional order

Refers to an order established by long-standing customs or beliefs rather than just what's common.

the standard procedure

Focuses more on a set of established steps for doing something.

the regular routine

Highlights the repetitive and predictable nature of the order.

the customary arrangement

Emphasizes that the order is typical and widely accepted in a particular context.

the normal sequence

Underscores the expected succession of events or steps.

the typical pattern

Highlights a recurring form or design that is commonly observed.

the conventional format

Refers to an established and accepted structure or layout.

the established norm

Emphasizes that the order is the standard or accepted way of doing things.

the prescribed method

Suggests that the order is officially recommended or required.

the common practice

Highlights that the order is widely used and accepted.

FAQs

How can I use "the usual order" in a sentence?

You can use "the usual order" to describe a standard sequence of events or steps, as in "The settlements seemed to vindicate Judge Hellerstein's strategy in ordering trials to determine damages before a trial to determine liability, a reversal of "the usual order"."

What are some alternatives to "the usual order"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "the traditional order", "the standard procedure", or "the normal sequence".

Is it correct to say "in the usual order" or "in usual order"?

The correct phrasing is "in the usual order", as the definite article "the" specifies a particular established sequence or arrangement. Omitting "the" would be grammatically incorrect.

What does it mean when something 'reverses the usual order'?

When something 'reverses "the usual order"', it means that the typical or expected sequence of events is changed or inverted. This deviation from the norm can highlight an unusual situation or a deliberate change in process.