usually always

USAGE SUMMARY

'usually always' is not correct and should not be used in written English.
You can use it in informal contexts, such as speaking with your friends. For example, you can say "I usually always forget to do my homework on time."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pension plan trustees set the rate of return, usually between 7 percent and 8 percent.

The New York Times

Nationwide, Mr Nader's poll rating is usually between 2% and 5%.

The Economist

▶ A payment when the film goes into production, usually between22% and 3% of the film's budget.

The Guardian - Film

It's usually between 2% and 8% alcohol but tends toward the lower end of the spectrum.

BBC

The usual wait time in the Queens office, according to an Uber worker, is usually 20minutess.

The New York Times

I'm usually 100 per cent wrong.

Independent

Functional occupancy is usually 95 percent.

The New York Times

Degenerative disorders are usually progressive.

Nature

The longest loan term is usually 20yearss.

The New York Times

The background radiation is usually 22.

The Guardian

On normal roads, the asphalt is usually 8to1010 inches thick.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "usually always" in formal writing. Opt for stronger, more concise alternatives like "almost always" or "nearly always" to convey habitual actions or occurrences.

Common error

Don't combine adverbs of frequency that essentially mean the same thing. "Usually" already implies a high probability, so adding "always" creates redundancy. Choose the single best adverb to express the intended frequency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "usually always" functions as an adverbial modifier, intended to express the frequency of an action or state. However, Ludwig AI highlights that it's considered incorrect in standard English due to its redundancy.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the intention behind "usually always" might be to stress the frequency of an event, it's considered grammatically incorrect due to redundancy. As Ludwig AI explains, combining "usually" and "always" creates an awkward and illogical phrase. Opt for more precise and grammatically sound alternatives such as "almost always", "nearly always", or simply "usually" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Avoiding "usually always" will enhance the clarity and credibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost always

Emphasizes near-constant occurrence but avoids the redundancy of "usually always".

nearly always

Similar to "almost always", this option indicates a high degree of frequency without being absolute.

typically always

Replaces "usually" with "typically", maintaining a sense of regularity but still sounding somewhat awkward.

almost invariably

This alternative suggests a very high degree of consistency, bordering on absolute certainty.

virtually always

Similar to "almost always", implying that something happens in almost every instance.

generally always

A weaker form of consistency, this emphasizes that something happens in most cases, though not necessarily all.

habitually

Focuses on the habitual nature of an action, implying a routine or custom.

customarily

Highlights actions done according to established customs or traditions.

ordinarily

Indicates what happens in the normal course of events, suggesting routine.

on a regular basis

Expresses that something happens frequently and consistently.

FAQs

Is "usually always" grammatically correct?

No, "usually always" is considered grammatically incorrect due to its redundant nature. "Usually" already implies a high frequency, making the addition of "always" unnecessary.

What are some alternatives to "usually always"?

Instead of "usually always", you can use phrases such as "almost always", "nearly always", or simply "usually" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "usually always"?

The phrase "usually always" is best avoided in formal writing. It might be acceptable in very informal speech among close friends, but even then, it's advisable to use more precise language.

What's wrong with saying "usually always"?

The problem with "usually always" is that it's redundant. "Usually" means 'in most cases' or 'ordinarily', while "always" means 'every time' or 'without exception'. Combining them creates a phrase that doesn't logically make sense.