usually are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "usually are" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a certain situation is common or typical, as in the following example: "Cakes usually are served with tea."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Dilemmas usually are.

The Guardian - Opinion

Injections usually are not necessary.

The New York Times

These musical greats usually are.

The Guardian - Music

The stomachs, usually, are packed and distended.

The New Yorker

His comments usually are worth following.

Independent

The sexes usually are alike in plumage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Inexperienced drivers usually are distractible drivers.

The New York Times - Health

Great presidencies usually are born through crises.

The New York Times

"Good things usually are," Ms. Sallick said.

The New York Times

Two classes of polymerization usually are distinguished.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Of course, they usually are anyway.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "usually are", ensure the statement is generally true but allows for exceptions. If something is always true, consider using "always are" or a more definitive phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "usually are" when describing situations that are almost always true. Overusing it can weaken your statement and make it seem less certain when a stronger assertion is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "usually are" functions as an auxiliary verb phrase indicating a state or condition that commonly or typically exists. Ludwig's examples show it describing general characteristics or tendencies, similar to saying "generally exist".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

22%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "usually are" is a versatile and common way to express generalizations or typical conditions. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and appropriate for use in written English. It's important to use this phrase when describing situations that hold true in most cases but allow for exceptions. It is widely used across various registers and appears most frequently in news and media, followed by scientific and encyclopedic contexts. Be mindful of overgeneralization and choose more definitive language when something is invariably true.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are typically

Emphasizes the typical nature of something, focusing on its common characteristics.

are generally

Indicates that something is true in most cases, but not necessarily all.

are commonly

Highlights the frequency with which something occurs or is observed.

are frequently

Stresses the repeated or habitual occurrence of something.

tend to be

Suggests a natural inclination or predisposition towards a particular state or behavior.

are wont to be

Highlights the habitual nature of a behavior or state.

are prone to be

Implies a susceptibility or vulnerability to a particular condition or outcome.

are inclined to be

Suggests a tendency or leaning towards a certain state or behavior.

are apt to be

Indicates a likelihood or probability of something occurring.

are custom to be

Suggests a habitual or established practice.

FAQs

How do I use "usually are" in a sentence?

Use "usually are" to indicate that something is generally true or happens most of the time, but not necessarily always. For example, "Good restaurants "usually are" crowded on weekends".

What phrases are similar to "usually are"?

Alternatives include "are typically", "are generally", and "are commonly". Choose the phrase that best fits the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "are usually" instead of "usually are"?

While "are usually" can be grammatically correct in certain contexts, "usually are" is the more standard and frequently used order when "usually" modifies the verb "are" directly.

When should I avoid using "usually are"?

Avoid using "usually are" when you want to express something that is always true or a universal fact. In such cases, a more definitive statement without "usually" would be more appropriate. For example, "Water molecules are composed of hydrogen and oxygen" is better than "Water molecules "usually are" composed of hydrogen and oxygen".