usual habits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "usual habits" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to the normal or standard behavior or customs of a person, group, or society. For example: "The farmer was up before dawn, carrying out his usual habits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 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

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

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

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

Such a candidacy (Pat Buchanan meets Ralph Nader) wouldn't have to actually govern the country; instead, its purpose would be to jolt the two parties out of their usual habits and arguments and to persuade one or both of them to adopt some of its ideas.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 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

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

And, following his usual habit, he was dialing down his natural exuberance — "running parallel," as he put it, for a day or so, to his household — allowing his wife and son to get used to his presence before he took off for the next installation-adventure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing changes in behavior, use "usual habits" to establish a baseline for comparison. For example: "After the training, employees abandoned their usual habits of procrastination and became more efficient."

Common error

Don't use "usual habits" when describing truly unique or exceptional behaviors; reserve it for commonplace routines. For example, describing a superhero's daily activities as "their usual habits" would likely be incongruous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "usual habits" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes established routines or typical behaviors. As seen in Ludwig, it's used to depict commonplace actions or patterns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "usual habits" effectively describes established routines and typical behaviors. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse sources like News & Media and Scientific publications. While alternatives such as "typical routines" or "common practices" exist, "usual habits" provides a clear and concise way to communicate about commonplace actions. Remember to reserve its use for genuine routines and avoid overstating its significance in unique scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

normal behaviors

Refers to actions that are considered standard or unremarkable.

typical conduct

Refers to behaviors that are characteristic or representative of someone or something.

typical routines

Emphasizes a standard, expected set of actions.

common practices

Focuses on the widely accepted or frequently performed actions.

customary actions

Indicates actions that are traditionally or habitually performed.

established customs

Highlights long-standing and recognized ways of behaving.

regular patterns

Highlights predictable sequences of behavior.

everyday rituals

Implies actions performed consistently as part of daily life.

ingrained behaviors

Focuses on habits deeply rooted in one's character or routine.

standard operating procedure

Describes the typical or customary way of performing a task or process, often within an organization.

FAQs

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

You can use "usual habits" to describe someone's normal routine or behavior. For example: "The investigation revealed a lot about his "routine activities" and usual habits."

What are some alternatives to "usual habits"?

Alternatives to "usual habits" include "typical routines", "common practices", or "established customs", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "usual and customary habits"?

While not strictly incorrect, "usual and customary habits" can be redundant. It's often sufficient to simply use "usual habits" or "customary habits".

How does "usual habits" differ from "normal behavior"?

"Usual habits" specifically refers to routine actions, while "normal behavior" encompasses a broader range of actions that are considered typical or expected within a given context.