working as usual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "working as usual" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a situation in which something is happening in a normal, expected, or typical way. For example, "The office staff are working as usual despite the COVID-19 outbreak."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

But we're working as usual".

The New York Times

You'll be fine, they said, just carry on working as usual….

The New Yorker

He was working as usual on Tuesday, filming a video urging Israelis to buy Israeli products.

The New York Times

One insider in London said that there were always rumours about senior executives, adding that Darcey was working as usual.

The Guardian

ATMs are working as usual, but NatWest said any customers having continued difficulties can call them on 0845 788 8444.

The Guardian - Money

America's Chapter 11 bankruptcy procedure is not working as usual, says Ira Kalish, director of consumer business research for Deloitte, an audit firm.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Esimaje-Heath worked, as usual.

The New York Times - Sports

Native Latvians went to work as usual.

The New York Times

This week, though, the system did not work as usual.

The New York Times - Arts

A person can choose to head to work as usual.

The Guardian

That Tuesday, April 18 , 1944 Eddie went to work as usual.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "working as usual" to reassure stakeholders that operations are continuing smoothly despite potential disruptions.

Common error

While "working as usual" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal reports. Opt for more specific and descriptive language to convey the actual state of operations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "working as usual" typically functions as an adverbial phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage to describe that something is happening in a normal, expected, or typical way. Examples show it modifying verbs to indicate a continuation of routine activities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "working as usual" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for conveying that operations or activities are continuing in a normal, expected manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is frequently used to reassure audiences during times of uncertainty. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it provides a sense of stability. While acceptable across various contexts, it’s advisable to use more descriptive language in formal reports. Related phrases include "operating normally" and "functioning as expected", offering alternative ways to express the same idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

operating normally

This alternative replaces "working" with "operating" and "as usual" with "normally", focusing on the functionality aspect.

functioning as expected

This phrase emphasizes that something is working according to expectations, rather than just in its typical manner.

running as before

This implies a return to a previous state of operation, suggesting continuity.

business as normal

This alternative is more specific to business contexts and highlights the continuation of regular business activities.

proceeding as planned

This option emphasizes that the operations are in line with the initial plans or schedule.

continuing routinely

This phrase underlines the routine aspect of the ongoing work.

maintaining standard operations

This expresses the idea of keeping the usual processes active and unchanged.

performing in the usual way

This highlights that the execution of tasks is happening in its typical manner.

everything is normal

This expresses the idea that everything is in a state that is expected or ordinary.

status quo

This short option refers to the existing state of affairs, especially regarding social or political issues.

FAQs

How can I use "working as usual" in a sentence?

You can use "working as usual" to describe a situation where things are operating normally. For example, "Despite the power outage, the emergency generators allowed the hospital to keep "working as usual"".

What are some alternatives to "working as usual"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "operating normally", "functioning as expected", or "business as normal".

Is it grammatically correct to say "working as usual"?

Yes, "working as usual" is grammatically correct and widely used. It's an idiomatic phrase that means things are proceeding in a typical or expected manner.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "working as usual"?

It's appropriate to use "working as usual" when you want to convey that a process, system, or organization is functioning without any significant changes or disruptions. It's commonly used in news reports or updates to reassure people.