usual

usual — adjective

1. happening or used more often than any other option; the one that you would norma

1.adjectiveA2
Definition

happening or used more often than any other option; the one that you would normally expect in a particular situation.

Example

Linh took her usual seat by the window, next to the tall wooden bookshelf.

The usual check-in time at this hotel is three o'clock in the afternoon.

the usual + noun for standard expected times

Common collocations
  • usual place
  • usual way
  • usual time
  • usual procedure
  • usual practice
  • usual routine
  • usual spot
Synonyms
  • normal

    interchangeable in most contexts; 'normal' feels slightly more about what is expected by a standard, while 'usual' focuses on frequency

  • typical

    emphasises that something represents a common example of its kind, not just the most frequent choice

  • customary

    more formal; suggests something done according to tradition or established practice

  • ordinary

    focuses on lack of special qualities rather than on frequency

Antonyms
  • unusual

    the direct opposite; something rare or surprising

  • exceptional

    implies something out of the ordinary, often with a positive connotation

Grammar Patterns

the usual + noun

it is usual for someone to do something

more usual than

Usage Note

Frequently placed before a noun. The pattern it is usual (for someone) to do something is common for describing typical behaviour. The comparative more usual and superlative most usual are acceptable in formal writing.

Common Mistakes

I usual go to bed at ten.
I usually go to bed at ten.
"usual" is an adjective; use the adverb "usually" to modify verbs.
She arrived early as her usual.
She arrived early, as usual.
"as usual" is a fixed phrase; do not add a possessive before "usual."
Idioms

as usual

idiom

in the same way as what normally happens; used to comment that a situation is typical or expected.

Mira was the last one to arrive at the party, as usual, but she brought a big cake.

business as usual

idiom

used to say that things continue to happen or operate in the normal way, despite a difficult or unusual situation.

After the heavy storm damaged the roof, the corner shop put up a sign that read 'business as usual'.

the usual suspects

idiom

the people who are typically expected to be present, involved, or responsible in a given situation; the group of people you would most likely expect.

At every team meeting, the usual suspects — Saira, Anthony, and Élise — are the first to offer their opinions.

as per usual

idiom

in the way that is normal or typical; an informal variant of 'as usual'.

Nellie was chatting on her phone during the lecture, as per usual, while everyone else was taking notes.

as per normal/usual

idiom

Happening in the same way that it always does.

Maya arrived late to class, as per usual.

As per normal, Diego ordered coffee without sugar.

usual — noun

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All four words describe things that match a common standard, but each brings a different shade. 'Normal' focuses on conformity to a rule or expected state ('a normal body temperature'), while 'usual' stresses frequency of occurrence ('her usual morning routine'). 'Typical' highlights representative qualities ('a typical English breakfast'), often carrying a mildly evaluative tone. 'Customary' is more formal and refers to practices established by tradition or social habit ('the customary bow at the end of a performance'). 'Ordinary' is the broadest and least frequency-focused, simply meaning 'not special or remarkable' ('an ordinary weekday'). In everyday conversation, 'usual' and 'normal' are the most common choices; 'customary' sounds noticeably formal, and 'ordinary' can imply a lack of interest or excitement.

normal ↗typical ↗customary ↗ordinary ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • as usual
  • than usual
  • more usual than
  • the usual

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchAnglo-NormanEnglish

Comes from Latin 'usualis' (belonging to use, ordinary), which was formed from 'usus' (use, custom). It passed into English through Old French 'usuel' and then Anglo-Norman, appearing in Middle English around the 1300s. The noun sense ('my usual' meaning a regular order) developed in the late 1800s in British pub culture.