was usually used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was usually used" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a common practice or habit in the past. Example: "The old typewriter was usually used by writers who preferred a more traditional method of composing their work."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The drop weight test was usually used to evaluate the impact performance of fiber-reinforced concrete.

Construction and Building Materials

The compressive strength at the 28th day was usually used as design strength for structure.

Construction and Building Materials

The Kiowa Warrior, a small, light vehicle from the First Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, was usually used for surveillance.

The New York Times

Stainless steel 430 (SS430) was usually used as current collector of sodium‑sulfur batteries, but it had limited corrosion resistance in high temperature sulfur environment.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Moreover a commercial ring closure catalyst, which was usually used in the synthesis of bismaleimide, resulted in the co-reaction between two components and formed a homogeneous network.

Polymer

Although it was usually used externally (e.g., as a balm or smoked), in the 19th century ce its tips were sometimes administered internally to treat gonorrhea and angina pectoris.

Britannica

This work examines the feasibility of applying wear resistant cladding material to grey cast iron, which was usually used as the material of machine tool structures, to improve their wear performance.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Its root has long been regarded by the Chinese as a panacea for illness, though it was usually used by them in a prophylactic (preventive) rather than a curative manner.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She spent a winter in the remote English village of Blakeney, in Norfolk, where her only means of calling North America was a telephone kiosk that was usually used for storing potatoes, and where the stone-floored cottage in which she wrote was so cold that she developed chilblains on her toes.

The New Yorker

From the mid-18th to the mid-19th century the form was usually used for elegiac verse, of which the best-known example is Gray's poem, which begins: The curfew tolls the knell of parting day, The lowing herd wind slowly o'er the lea, The plowman homeward plods his weary way, And leaves the world to darkness and to me.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was usually used by the skipper.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing past practices, use "was usually used" to clearly indicate that a particular method or tool was the norm, but not necessarily the only option. This provides context without implying absolute exclusivity.

Common error

Avoid using "was usually used" when describing a practice that had significant exceptions or variations. Ensure your claim accurately reflects the prevalence of the described usage to prevent misleading readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was usually used" functions as a descriptor of past practice. It indicates that something was the common or typical method, tool, or approach in a specific context during a past time, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was usually used" is a common and grammatically sound construction that indicates a typical practice or method in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely employed across various domains, particularly in scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that it accurately reflects the prevalence of the described usage and avoids overgeneralizations. Alternatives such as "was commonly used" or "was typically used" can be used to add nuance or formality. Be sure to keep the tense consistent to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was generally employed

Replaces "used" with "employed", suggesting a more formal or deliberate application.

was typically utilized

Substitutes "usually" with "typically" and "used" with "utilized", emphasizing standard practice with a more technical tone.

was customarily applied

Replaces "usually" with "customarily" and "used" with "applied", implying established tradition or convention.

was commonly adopted

Replaces "usually used" with "commonly adopted", highlighting the acceptance and widespread integration of something.

was frequently implemented

Substitutes "usually" with "frequently" and "used" with "implemented", focusing on the recurrent application of a method or system.

was regularly exercised

Replaces "used" with "exercised", suggesting a consistent and active deployment of a skill or right.

was often practiced

Substitutes "usually" with "often" and "used" with "practiced", emphasizing the habitual nature of an action.

was historically known as

Shifts the focus to past recognition or designation rather than active utilization.

had been the conventional method

Highlights that something was the accepted or standard approach in the past.

was the standard procedure

Emphasizes established and approved methodology.

FAQs

How can I use "was usually used" in a sentence?

Use "was usually used" to indicate a common or typical practice in the past. For example, "In the past, this tool "was usually used" for this specific task".

What are some alternatives to "was usually used"?

You can use alternatives like "was commonly used", "was typically used", or "was generally employed" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "was usually being used" instead of "was usually used"?

While "was usually being used" isn't grammatically incorrect, ""was usually used"" is more concise and often preferred to describe a past habit or standard practice. The progressive form might imply a continuous action over a period.

What's the difference between "was usually used" and "is usually used"?

"Was usually used" refers to a practice that was common in the past, while "is usually used" refers to a current common practice. The tense indicates whether the usage is past or present.