Normally
UK /["/ˈnɔːməli/"]/US /["/ˈnɔːrməli/"]/
Definition
usually; in normal circumstances
In simple words: Usually or in most cases.
Examples
- Normally, I wake up at 7 AM to start my day.
- She normally enjoys reading before going to bed.
- Normally, it takes me about 30 minutes to get to work.
- He behaves normally in social situations.
- Normally, students complete their homework by Friday.
- The weather is normally warm in summer.
- Normally, I prefer tea over coffee in the morning.
- The train runs normally on weekends, but not during holidays.
Usage notes
Use 'normally' to describe what is typical or expected in everyday situations. Avoid in very formal writing.
Grammar pattern
standalone adverb
Memory hint
Think of 'normal' + 'ly', like how things are most of the time.
Collocations
- normally expect
- normally see
- normally do
- normally happen
Synonyms
- usually
- typically
- generally
- ordinarily
- habitually
Antonyms
- abnormally
- unusually
Common mistakes
- Confusing with 'usually' — they are similar but may vary slightly in use.
- Using in place of 'normal' incorrectly as a noun.
- Placing in the wrong part of a sentence.