usual procedures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "usual procedures" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to standard methods or practices that are typically followed in a particular context or situation. Example: "Before starting the project, please ensure that you follow the usual procedures for safety and compliance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Clinton said it would have been inappropriate to bypass the usual procedures.

The Guardian

What are the usual procedures for voting for board members?... Suzanne Plossl, Manhattan.

The New York Times

But the judges said Congress intended the Guantánamo courts to apply usual procedures of military courts.

The New York Times

He said that following his usual procedures, he did not announce his investigation.

The New York Times

The retailer had said it did not have time to comply with the usual procedures.

The Guardian - Business

The urgent need for more drones has meant bypassing usual procedures.

The New York Times

"Cases are chosen primarily on the basis of their intractable course and their resistance to the usual procedures," Worthing explained.

The New Yorker

In fairness, all the usual procedures were followed, in a region with considerable experience of being battered by nature.

Independent

"His personal leave was approved on behalf of the prime minister at the time [Tony Abbott] in accordance with the usual procedures.

The Guardian

While people typically drink these vodkas chilled, we stuck to our usual procedures and tasted them at room temperature, no ice.

The New York Times - Food

That very day, even after Madoff was arrested, the people at Sterling, following their usual procedures, had invested another million with him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific process, ensure that the audience understands the context and the "usual procedures" being referred to, providing detail where necessary.

Common error

Avoid assuming that everyone knows what the "usual procedures" are in a specific context. Always provide sufficient context or explanation, especially when writing for a diverse audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "usual procedures" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It refers to the standard or typical methods employed in a particular context. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage across different fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "usual procedures" is a common noun phrase referring to established and typical methods or practices. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. While the phrase is generally appropriate for formal use, it's essential to ensure clarity by providing sufficient context for the audience. When in doubt, alternatives like ""standard practices"" or ""established protocols"" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Knowing when and how to properly use the phrase is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

standard operating procedures

Emphasizes the formalized and documented nature of the procedures.

established protocols

Highlights the official and well-recognized aspect of the procedures.

customary practices

Focuses on the traditional and habitual nature of the procedures.

routine processes

Stresses the repetitive and ordinary character of the procedures.

typical methods

Indicates the common and expected ways of doing things.

normal course of action

Highlights the expected sequence of steps or behaviors.

prescribed guidelines

Focuses on the mandated and regulated aspect of the procedures.

accepted conventions

Emphasizes the broadly agreed upon and followed norms.

traditional norms

Focuses on the traditional and habitual nature of accepted standards.

common practices

Highlights the ordinary and widely adopted aspect of the procedures.

FAQs

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

You can use "usual procedures" to refer to standard methods or practices. For example, "The audit followed the "standard procedures"." Or, "We bypassed the "standard procedures" due to the urgency of the situation."

What are some alternatives to "usual procedures"?

Alternatives include "standard practices", "routine processes", and "established protocols". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "usual procedures" in formal writing?

Yes, "usual procedures" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when referring to established methods within a specific field or organization. However, ensure clarity by defining the specific procedures if necessary.

What's the difference between "usual procedures" and "best practices"?

"Usual procedures" refers to the common or standard way of doing something, while "best practices" refers to methods that are considered the most effective or optimal. "Usual procedures" may not always be the "most effective methods".