A1adverb 1K

Usually

UK /["/ˈjuːʒuəli//ˈjuːʒəli/"]/ US /["/ˈjuːʒuəli//ˈjuːʒəli/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

in the way that is usual or normal; most often

Listen to definition

In simple words: Most of the time; normally.

Examples

• I usually have coffee in the morning.
• She usually goes for a run after work.
• They usually eat dinner at 7 PM.
• We usually meet at the park on weekends.
• He is usually late to class.

Usage notes

Use 'usually' to describe habits or things that happen often, but not always. Avoid using in very formal writing; 'typically' might be better.

Grammar pattern

usually + verb

Memory hint

Think of ‘u’s’ in ‘usually’ standing for ‘understandably most times’.

Collocations

• usually go
• usually find
• usually see

Synonyms

• generally
• typically
• normally
• ordinarily

Antonyms

• never
• seldom

Common mistakes

• Using 'usually' with absolute terms like 'always'.
• Confusing 'usually' with 'often'; 'often' means more frequently than 'sometimes' but less than 'usually'.
• Placing 'usually' incorrectly in a sentence.