usual habit

USAGE SUMMARY

"usual habit" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase that can be used when you want to refer to a habit someone has that is a common occurrence or a regular behavior. Example sentence: "Eating meals together as a family is John's usual habit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Although for Margaret Thatcher it was a usual habit, which she exploited with her usual energetic eye for detail.

The Guardian

The New Yorker, March 9 , 1929P. 11 Physicians say he must get up fifteen minutes earlier than is his usual habit and take setting-up exercises.

The New Yorker

He has forced through an impressive tax-cutting package and is now, albeit with his usual habit of weaving to left and right, braving up to the job of overhauling the country's archaic pension system.

The Economist

Conason writes that the episode was a break from Clinton's usual habit after leaving the White House of informing the State Department or the National Security Council when he traveled overseas or met with heads of state.

The Washington Post

Issues of Gourmet from the nineteen-forties published rabbit recipes, even the occasional one crafted in witty holiday verse: "Although it isn't / Our usual habit, / This year we're eating / The Easter Rabbit".

The New Yorker

This new novel, Niven's seventh, breaks with his usual habit of laying bare the male psyche, but retains his celebrated strengths: sparky, unfussy writing; a fast-moving plot; and, most notably, an ability to be thoroughly outspoken about matters sexual and scatological whilst retaining a surprising degree of empathy for the human trials of his characters.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

On the same note, if you usually speak in contractions (or don't), keep up your usual habits.

WikiHow

When we're under any kind of stress, our bodies behave in their usual habits – it's called "physical leakage".

The Guardian

Similarly, if our minds are not forced to exercise beyond their usual habits, if they are freed from grappling for answers by the poke of a button, we can wind up uninspired, cognitively fluffy and philosophically pathetic.

The New York Times

Based on the accounts of a neighbor and a friend, as well as her usual habits, it is likely that she left home by 9 p.m. and expected to be back about 40 minutes later.

The New York Times

Banks rely on antifraud software that monitors customers' spending patterns, which means that any time you stray from your usual habits — like buying groceries in another state instead of at a store in your home ZIP code — your bank might become concerned.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's recurring behavior, use "usual habit" to emphasize the regularity and predictability of their actions. For example, "It was his "usual habit" to read the newspaper before breakfast".

Common error

Avoid using "usual habit" when you actually mean a distinctive or peculiar habit. "Usual" implies commonality, while "unique" suggests rarity. For instance, saying "His "usual habit" was collecting rubber ducks" is misleading if he's the only person you know who does that. Instead, try "His hobby was collecting rubber ducks".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "usual habit" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "usual" modifies the noun "habit". It typically describes a recurring behavior or practice that is characteristic of a person or group. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

29%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "usual habit" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes a regular or typical behavior. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity. As shown by Ludwig examples, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's important to use it accurately, distinguishing it from unique or one-off behaviors. Alternatives like "typical behavior" or "common practice" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoid confusing "usual habit" with a distinctive or peculiar habit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

typical behavior

Emphasizes the common actions or reactions of an individual or group. It is more general than "usual habit".

common practice

Refers to something that is widely done or accepted in a particular field or situation, focusing on actions rather than personal tendencies.

customary routine

Suggests a series of actions regularly followed, highlighting the procedural aspect. It implies a predictable pattern of behavior.

regular tendency

Focuses on an inclination to act in a certain way, often implying a natural or inherent disposition.

established pattern

Indicates a consistent and recognized way of doing things, highlighting the durability and acceptance of the behavior.

ingrained behavior

Implies that the habit is deeply rooted and difficult to change, suggesting a strong influence on actions.

normal inclination

Highlights a natural preference or desire to do something, suggesting an innate tendency.

standard procedure

Refers to an official or accepted way of doing something, emphasizing the formal or prescribed nature of the action.

typical inclination

Implies that someone is most likely to act in a specific way based on trends.

set way

Suggests there is a prescribed, difficult to deviate from, manner in which a procedure occurs.

FAQs

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

You can use "usual habit" to describe a common or regular behavior. For instance, "Her "usual habit" is to drink tea in the morning", or "Following his "usual habit", he arrived late".

What are some alternatives to "usual habit"?

Some alternatives include "typical behavior", "common practice", or "customary routine", depending on the context.

Is "usual habit" grammatically correct?

Yes, "usual habit" is grammatically correct. "Usual" is an adjective modifying the noun "habit".

What is the difference between "usual habit" and "normal routine"?

"Usual habit" refers to a specific, often personal, behavior that someone commonly does. "Normal routine" generally describes a set of actions done regularly, but may not be specific to one person.