usually these days

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "usually these days" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a common occurrence or trend in the present time compared to the past. Example: "Usually these days, people prefer to communicate through text rather than phone calls."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Cristiano Ronaldo has often been jeered at stadiums across the country since the World Cup but usually these days the booing has died down by the second half.

The Guardian - Sport

Usually these days I have forgotten by dinner time what I had for lunch, but that kind of forgetfulness has nothing to do with the kind of Proustian feats of remembering I would be required to perform were I to embark on a memoir of the Dublin I knew – or, more accurately, did not know – in the 1950s and 60s.

The Guardian - Books

Cannibalism stokes the public's imagination, usually these days in the form of TV shows like Hannibal or other murder mysteries, but it has been practiced by species of hominins for about 1 million years.

Forbes

Usually, these days are a blur.

Huffington Post

But usually these days, when we take our raw anger out on machines, it's less an act of revenge against our employers than a hot-blooded, random act of violence.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

She usually is these days.

Independent

What she usually smells these days, she said, is pizza.

The New York Times

It's about the money, as almost everything in sports usually is these days.

The New York Times - Sports

Ms. Falco was accompanied, as she usually is these days, by STANLEY TUCCI.

The New York Times

Anderson has been England's best bowler today, as he usually is these days.

The Guardian - Sport

The news came, as it usually does these days, via Twitter.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "usually these days" to draw a contrast between past practices and current trends. This adds depth to your writing by highlighting how things have changed.

Common error

Avoid using "usually these days" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "currently" or "in contemporary society" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "usually these days" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the frequency and timeframe of an action or state. Ludwig confirms its usability. It specifies that something happens frequently in the current period.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "usually these days" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to denote common occurrences or trends in the present, often in contrast with the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English and frequently appears in news and media contexts. While its frequency is only 'uncommon', it's a useful phrase for adding context and highlighting changes over time. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in highly formal or academic settings where more precise language may be preferred. Alternatives such as "commonly nowadays" or "typically in this era" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more often than not these days

Emphasizes the frequency of something happening recently.

as a rule these days

Suggests a common practice or standard in the present period.

commonly nowadays

Focuses more on the current period without necessarily implying a contrast to the past.

generally speaking nowadays

Offers a broad observation about current trends or habits.

typically in this era

Emphasizes the characteristics or habits of the current era.

the norm currently

Highlights what is considered typical or standard in the present.

in current times

A more general way to refer to the present, lacking the 'usually' connotation.

in the present climate

Implies that current conditions or circumstances influence the situation.

as things are now

Indicates the present state of affairs, suggesting a comparison or a potential change.

in today's world

Highlights the contemporary setting and its distinctive features.

FAQs

How can I use "usually these days" in a sentence?

You can use "usually these days" to describe a common occurrence or trend in the present time, often implying a contrast to the past. For instance, "Usually these days, people prefer streaming services over traditional cable TV".

What are some alternatives to "usually these days"?

Alternatives include "commonly nowadays", "typically in this era", or "more often than not these days". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "usually these days"?

Yes, "usually these days" is grammatically correct and understandable. It's an idiomatic phrase used to indicate a prevailing trend or common situation in the present era.

When is it appropriate to use "usually these days"?

It's appropriate in contexts where you want to highlight a shift or change in habits, trends, or common practices over time. It's suitable for informal to neutral registers but should be used sparingly in highly formal writing.