usually

usually — adverb

1. used to say that something happens or is true in most cases, though it is not al

1.adverbA2
Definition

used to say that something happens or is true in most cases, though it is not always true

Example

Eliska usually walks to school with her little brother.

adverb before main verb in simple affirmative

The morning train to Taipei is usually quiet on Sundays.

adverb after linking verb be

Common collocations
  • usually + verb
  • usually + adjective
  • not usually + verb
  • more usually + adjective
Synonyms
  • normally

    more neutral and factual; suggests following a standard or rule

  • generally

    broader; applies to a whole group or situation with fewer exceptions

  • typically

    focuses on what is characteristic of a person or thing

  • ordinarily

    slightly more formal; refers to what happens under normal circumstances

Antonyms
  • rarely

    opposite frequency — happens only a small number of times

  • seldom

    even less frequent than rarely; more formal in tone

  • occasionally

    happens from time to time but is not the norm

Grammar Patterns

usually + main verb

be + usually + complement

do/does + not + usually + verb

Usage Note

Mid-position in the sentence: place usually before the main verb (usually walks) but after the verb be (is usually quiet). In negatives, it follows the auxiliary (does not usually eat).

Common Mistakes

She usually is happy.
She is usually happy.
With the verb be, put usually after be, not before it.
I am usually going to bed at ten.
I usually go to bed at ten.
Use simple present, not present continuous, for habitual actions with usually.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

These four adverbs all describe what happens in most cases, but they differ in tone and scope. Usually is the most everyday word — it simply says something happens more often than not (I usually have coffee for breakfast). Normally suggests that something follows a rule, standard, or expected pattern, and often implies what happens when nothing unusual interferes (Normally the library closes at nine). Generally is broader and can describe a whole situation or group with fewer claims about individual cases (Students here are generally hardworking). Typically focuses on the most representative or characteristic example of a group (A typical Italian dinner starts with antipasti). Where usually tells you how often, normally tells you how things are expected to be, and typically tells you what is most characteristic.

usually ↗normally ↗generally ↗typically ↗

Common collocations

Adverbs

Phrases

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Formed by adding the adverb-forming suffix -ly to the adjective usual. Usual comes from Old French usuel, from Latin usualis meaning 'of or relating to use or practice,' which in turn comes from Latin usus, meaning 'use, custom, habit.'