usual order of things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "usual order of things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the typical or expected way that events or situations occur in life. Example: "When the unexpected happened, it disrupted the usual order of things in our daily routine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

In fact, though, it is the usual order of things.

The New Yorker

Not the usual order of things, but not impossible.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is not the usual order of things in science.

The Guardian

Charging depositors rather than borrowers inverts the usual order of things.

The Economist

Mackintosh played tricks throughout the building, inverting the usual order of things.

The Guardian - Opinion

And they discover that contrary to the usual order of things, they have something to teach him.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

That game took a strange turn on Tuesday when Baltimore's all-world safety Ed Reed decided not to criticize New England's offense (the usual order of such things), but instead his own quarterback, Joe Flacco.

The New York Times

Gender-wise, it flipped the usual order of the pickup scene.

The New York Times

"Shoot first, ask questions later" is the usual order of the day.

The Economist

Over the last week, the usual order of this world-shaking choice was reversed.

The New York Times

The usual order of a food chain is: sunlight.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "usual order of things" to emphasize a disruption or deviation from the expected or typical sequence of events. This can effectively highlight the unexpected nature of a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "usual order of things" when describing a situation that is inherently chaotic or unpredictable. The phrase works best when contrasting with a previously stable or predictable state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "usual order of things" functions as a noun phrase that describes a typical or expected sequence, arrangement, or state. It often serves to establish a baseline against which deviations or disruptions can be highlighted. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "usual order of things" is a commonly used phrase to denote the typical or expected sequence of events. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When writing, you can use this phrase to emphasize a deviation from the expected course of events. Alternatives include "normal course of events" and "established routine". Be mindful of using it where it is appropriate, which is in a previously stable environment or event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

normal course of events

Focuses on the sequence of events being typical or expected.

the way things usually are

More informal restatement emphasizing the typical state.

expected course of action

Emphasizes the anticipated progression of activities.

typical scenario

Focuses on the commonality of a given situation.

standard operating procedure

Implies a set of established steps to be followed.

the norm

A shorter, more general way to describe what is typical.

established routine

Highlights the repetitive and predictable nature of events.

natural progression

Suggests an inherent or logical sequence.

conventional procedure

Stresses adherence to accepted norms.

customary practice

Implies a long-standing tradition or habit.

FAQs

How can I use "usual order of things" in a sentence?

You can use "usual order of things" to describe a normal or expected sequence of events. For example: "The rain disrupted the "usual order of things" at the outdoor concert."

What's a more formal alternative to "usual order of things"?

A more formal alternative could be "normal course of events" or "established procedure", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "natural order of things" and "usual order of things"?

"Natural order of things" implies an inherent or pre-ordained sequence, while "usual order of things" refers to a sequence that is typical or expected based on habit or custom.

What can I say instead of "usual order of things"?

You can use alternatives like "normal routine", "standard procedure", or "established pattern" depending on the context.