usual case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "usual case" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a typical or standard situation or example in a given context. Example: "In the usual case, we expect the project to be completed within three months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Times Square case is not the usual case.

The New York Times

Then it would tour, and that, in the usual case, was her output for the year.

The New Yorker

This is a worse than usual case of the condescension of posterity.

The Guardian

It's the usual case of nongeniuses fumbling the moves of a virtuoso.

The New York Times - Arts

"They are not granted in the usual case, but this is not the usual case," Abbe D. Lowell, the lead defense lawyer, told Judge Catherine C. Eagles of Federal District Court.

The New York Times

This was hardly the usual case, even for forensic entomologists, but it reveals the essence of what they do.

The New York Times - Books

Davenport even reveled in an usual case of butterflies when she stepped onto Court 1 against Martina Sucha.

The New York Times - Sports

In the usual case, then, you have nine pitchers contributing variously to five categories: wins, strikeouts, E.R.A., WHIP and saves.

The New York Times

"It's the usual case of Anonymous jumping on a current big news story," he told Tech Insider.

Independent

If their height was greater than the diameter, as was the usual case, the silos probably stood at least 25 feet tall.

The New York Times - Science

It's not the usual case of conflict of interest — someone being sent a shiny new gadget and writing about how spiffy it is.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "usual case" to clearly indicate that you're referring to a typical or standard situation, especially when contrasting it with an exception or unusual circumstance. For instance: "In the usual case, the data follows a normal distribution; however, in this experiment, we observed a skewed pattern."

Common error

Avoid using "usual case" when the situation you're describing is not genuinely typical or standard. Instead, provide specific data or evidence to support your claim, or use phrases like "in some instances" or "often" to avoid misleading readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "usual case" functions as a noun phrase that typically modifies another noun or clause. It serves to qualify a statement, indicating that the statement is generally true or applicable under normal circumstances. As Ludwig AI indicates, the expression is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "usual case" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a typical or standard situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It functions primarily to establish a baseline or norm, allowing for the introduction of exceptions or deviations. While found across various registers, it is particularly prevalent in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. Consider alternatives like "typical instance" or "standard situation" to refine your meaning. Remember to avoid overgeneralizing by assuming situations are the "usual case" without proper support.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

typical instance

Focuses on a single occurrence, implying representativeness.

standard situation

Emphasizes conformity to established norms or expectations.

common occurrence

Highlights the frequency of the event or circumstance.

general rule

Suggests a prevailing principle or guideline.

normal course of events

Implies predictability and expected progression.

customary practice

Indicates established habits or routines.

routine procedure

Highlights standardized steps or actions.

prevailing trend

Focuses on the dominant direction or pattern.

average scenario

Implies a moderate or middle-ground situation.

established pattern

Focuses on a recognized and repeated sequence or form.

FAQs

How can I use "usual case" in a sentence?

You can use "usual case" to describe a typical or standard situation. For example, "In the usual case, patients recover quickly after this procedure."

What is a good alternative to "usual case"?

Alternatives include phrases like "typical instance", "standard situation", or "common occurrence", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "usual case" and "normal case"?

While similar, "usual case" often implies a statistical norm or observed frequency, whereas "normal case" may refer to an expected or ideal scenario. The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "usual case" in writing?

Use "usual case" when you want to establish a baseline or a common expectation before contrasting it with an exception, deviation, or specific instance. It's helpful for setting context and guiding the reader's understanding.