usual mood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "usual mood" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a person's typical emotional state or temperament. For example, "John was in his usual mood when he arrived at work – full of enthusiasm and energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The despondency was not just the usual mood when a respected leader retires.

The New York Times

I have weathered the usual mood changes of a traveller...& have come to accept the marvels of nature with equanimity.

The New Yorker

The remaining songs, "Sad Dream" and "Ghost," are mordant singer-songwriter fare in which the lyrics are darker than Ms. Ferreira's usual mood.

The New York Times - Arts

There followed a withering, inside-out version of "It Had to Be You," whose usual mood of exultation was replaced by disgust, every "you" uttered in a tone of contempt.

The New York Times - Arts

Obama paid tribute to the Pope for "shak[ing] our conscience from slumber" in a warm welcome that made clear the personal bond between the two men and imbued the sunny south lawn with a greater than usual mood of bonhomie.

The Guardian

Mothers rated their babies' usual mood and temperament on a 7-point rating scale (e.g., 'The child whimpers and cries a lot').

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The new mansion, luxury cars and lack of worry about the gas bill will not lastingly alter our usual moods.

The Guardian - Opinion

One day in the writing trailer, I observed Milch as, in a jauntier-than-usual mood, he wrote a scene between a character named Wu and Dan Dority, Swearengen's protégé.

The New Yorker

While the business-as-usual mood may be reassuring for visitors, it is a reminder that this is a Chinese city, where feelings about the United States are ambivalent.

The New York Times - Travel

He had just learned that the film had not been accepted by Sundance — the film is scheduled to be put up for sale by William Morris Endeavor later this month — and was in a fouler-than-usual mood.

The New York Times - Magazine

Looking rested and in his usual defiant mood, the former president of Yugoslavia cross-examined several witnesses who described atrocities in Kosovo.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "usual mood" to describe a baseline or typical emotional state. This is helpful when contrasting it with a temporary or altered mood.

Common error

Avoid using "usual mood" to describe fleeting emotions. This phrase refers to a consistent, recurring state, not a one-time feeling. Instead, use "current mood" or a more descriptive adjective to reflect the immediate emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "usual mood" functions as a noun phrase where "usual" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "mood". It refers to the typical or characteristic emotional state of a person or entity. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "usual mood" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a typical or characteristic emotional state. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. When writing, remember that "usual mood" refers to a baseline state, not a fleeting emotion. For alternatives, consider "typical disposition" or "normal frame of mind". By understanding its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and common errors, you can effectively incorporate the expression "usual mood" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

typical disposition

Focuses on a person's characteristic attitude or temperament.

normal frame of mind

Emphasizes the standard or expected mental state.

common emotional state

Highlights the frequently experienced emotional condition.

habitual temperament

Stresses the routine or ingrained nature of someone's emotional response.

average emotional state

Uses statistical centrality to describe mood.

regular state of mind

Indicates a consistent and predictable mental condition.

standard emotional behavior

Focuses on the accepted or expected display of emotions.

characteristic emotional pattern

Highlights recurring or identifiable emotional responses.

consistent mental attitude

Emphasizes the stability and predictability of the attitude.

everyday emotional outlook

Describes emotional state in familiar terms of daily life

FAQs

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

You can use "usual mood" to describe someone's typical emotional state, as in, "Despite the bad news, she remained in her "usual mood", optimistic and cheerful."

What are some alternatives to "usual mood"?

Alternatives include "typical disposition", "normal frame of mind", or "common emotional state", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "usually mood" instead of "usual mood"?

No, "usually mood" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "usual mood", where "usual" acts as an adjective describing the noun "mood".

What's the difference between "usual mood" and "current mood"?

"Usual mood" refers to a person's typical or baseline emotional state, while "current mood" describes their emotional state at a particular moment. The "current mood" may differ from the "usual mood".