this was typical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this was typical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or behavior that is characteristic or expected in a particular context. Example: "When he arrived late to the meeting, I sighed, knowing this was typical of him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was typical of the times.

The Guardian - Arts

There was familial agreement that this was typical behavior for me, which I chose to mean typically willing to sacrifice for the cause.

The New York Times

(This was typical understatement.

The New Yorker

This was typical of Byrd.

The New York Times

This was typical Hammond.

The Guardian - Opinion

Friends said this was typical.

The New York Times

In fact this was typical bravado.

The Guardian - Opinion

This was typical of his other crimes.

The New York Times

This was typical of his preparation.

The Guardian

This was typical of the period.

The Guardian

This was typical of our experience.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this was typical" to succinctly convey that an action, event, or behavior is consistent with past patterns or expectations. This can add depth to your narrative by implying a history or established norm.

Common error

While "this was typical" is widely understood, avoid overuse in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language that specifies why something was typical, rather than simply stating that it was.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was typical" functions as a commentary or observation, indicating that a particular event, action, or behavior is consistent with a pattern or expectation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a common way to express that something is not unusual or surprising given the context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this was typical" is a versatile phrase used to convey that something aligns with established patterns or expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, primarily in neutral and informal contexts, especially within news and media. While grammatically sound and widely understood, it is generally more appropriate to use more descriptive language in formal academic settings. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a recurring pattern and consider whether a more specific explanation would enhance clarity. Source quality is high, with consistent usage across reputable outlets. To add variety to your writing consider alternative options such as "it was characteristic of" or "it was to be expected".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was characteristic of

Emphasizes that the action or situation aligns with someone's known traits or habits.

it was in character

Highlights that the action or behavior aligns with the subject's personality or nature.

it was to be expected

Suggests the outcome was predictable or anticipated based on prior knowledge or experience.

it was par for the course

Implies that the situation is normal or common, especially in a negative context.

it was commonplace

Indicates the situation was frequent or widely observed.

it was standard practice

Suggests the action was a normal or accepted procedure.

it was the norm

Highlights that the situation or behavior was the usual or expected standard.

it was a common occurrence

Focuses on the frequency of the event or situation.

it was business as usual

Suggests that despite any disruptions, things continued as they normally would.

it was nothing out of the ordinary

Indicates that the situation was unremarkable and not unexpected.

FAQs

How can I use "this was typical" in a sentence?

You can use "this was typical" to describe a recurring behavior or situation. For example, "His late arrival was frustrating, but "this was typical" of him".

What's a more formal alternative to "this was typical"?

In formal writing, consider using phrases like "it was characteristic of", "it was to be expected", or "it was consistent with prior behavior" instead of "this was typical".

Is "this was typical" subjective or objective?

"This was typical" can be subjective, as it relies on personal observation or experience. To make it more objective, provide evidence or context to support the statement.

What's the difference between "this was typical" and "this was usual"?

While both phrases suggest commonality, ""this was typical"" implies a pattern based on specific past instances, whereas "this was usual" suggests a general expectation.