What is usual? Pronunciation and usage in English

usual means . Learn how to pronounce and use usual through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of usual

usualadjective

/ˈjuːʒʊəl/
Definition & pronunciation of usual

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "usual." It's a tricky one for many English learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /juːˈʒuəl/ (yoo-ZHOOL)

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  • yoo: This is like the "you" in "you are." It’s a short, open "oo" sound.
  • ZHOOL: This is the tricky part. It's a combination of sounds:
    • ZHO: This is a combination of a "zh" sound (like in "measure") and a "oh" sound (like in "go"). It's crucial to blend them together. Don't pronounce them separately.
    • ul: This is just the "uhl" sound, like in "rule."

Here’s a helpful way to think about it:

Imagine you’re saying “you” and then adding a little “zhuhl” sound at the end – but smoothly.

Resources to help you hear it:

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/usual/ (This website allows you to hear native speakers pronounce the word)
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce usual" on YouTube – you'll find many videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don't over-emphasize the "z" sound. It’s subtle.
  • Focus on the smooth transition between "yoo" and "zhuhl." This is the key to making it sound natural.
  • Listen to native speakers and try to mimic their pronunciation.

Do you want me to:

  • Provide a more detailed explanation of a specific part of the pronunciation?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word?

Usage and examples with the word usual in English

Let's break down how to use the word "usual" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and ways to incorporate it into your sentences.

1. As an Adjective – Meaning “Common” or “Typical”

This is the most common usage. "Usual" describes something that happens or is done frequently, habitually, or in the standard way.

  • Example: "This is the usual route to the city center." (Meaning: the most common or typical route)
  • Example: "It’s the usual procedure for applying for a passport." (Meaning: the standard or standard operating procedure)
  • Example: "He always orders the usual burger and fries." (Meaning: the burger and fries he usually orders)
  • Example: “The usual temperature in July is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.” (Meaning: the normal or expected temperature)

2. As an Adverb – Meaning “Normally” or “Typically”

Here, "usual" modifies a verb, describing how something is done or happens.

  • Example: "I usually go to bed at 10 pm." (Meaning: my normal bedtime)
  • Example: "She usually wears a blue dress to work." (Meaning: her typical outfit)
  • Example: “Usually, I don't eat breakfast but I'm hungry today.” (Meaning: Normally, I don’t eat breakfast)

3. "As Usual" – An Idiomatic Expression

This phrase means “in the normal way” or “as expected.”

  • Example: "The traffic was bad, as usual." (Meaning: as expected—the traffic is always bad)
  • Example: “He arrived late, as usual.” (Meaning: He consistently arrives late)

4. "What’s usual?" – Asking for the Standard or Common Practice

You often hear this phrase when asking about a procedure or process.

  • Example: “What’s usual for a first date?” (Meaning: What’s the typical or common thing to do on a first date?)
  • Example: "What’s usual for customs when you arrive in a new country?" (Meaning: What is the standard procedure at customs?)

Key Considerations and Nuances:

  • Contrast: "Usual" often implies a contrast with something different or unexpected. "It's not the usual thing to do" suggests something unusual has happened.

  • Subjectivity: What's "usual" can be somewhat subjective and based on context, location, or personal experience.

  • Synonyms: Words like “normal,” “typical,” “conventional,” “standard,” or “habitual” are often interchangeable with "usual," but have slightly different shades of meaning.

Here's a quick summary table:

Usage Part of Speech Meaning Example
Descriptive Adjective Common, typical "This is the usual suspect."
Modifying Verbs Adverb Normally, typically “I usually drink coffee in the morning.”
Idiomatic Phrase As expected "The weather was bad, as usual.”
Questioning Phrase Standard practice "What’s usual for a return trip?"

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you interested in? (e.g., writing, speaking, a specific topic?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word usual

Idioms of the word usual

as per normal/usual
(informal)in the way that is normal or usual; as often happens
  • Everyone blamed me as per usual.
as usual
in the same way as what happens most of the time or in most cases
  • Steve, as usual, was the last to arrive.
  • As usual at that hour, the place was deserted.
  • Despite her problems, she carried on working as usual.
  • Despite the problems staff arrived for work as usual.
business as usual
a way of saying that things will continue as normal despite a difficult situation
  • It's business as usual at the factory, even while investigators sift through the bomb wreckage.
the usual suspects
the people you would usually expect to do something or be included in something
  • She thanked all the usual suspects in her acceptance speech: her family, the director, the cast and the crew.

Practice with vocabulary usual

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project manager emphasized that sticking to the ____ timeline is crucial for timely delivery.
  2. After the system update, we encountered an ____ error that prevented users from logging in.
  3. It's ____ for new research findings to undergo a peer review process before publication.
  4. The team decided to conduct a ____ assessment of all potential risks involved in the new venture.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (select all that apply)

  1. Which of the following words describes something that happens routinely or is expected in a given situation? A) Exceptional B) Usual C) Rare D) Common E) Customary

  2. In a business meeting, which communication method would be considered standard or generally accepted? A) Telepathy B) Email C) Smoke signals D) Video conference E) Courier service

  3. If an event proceeds "as usual," what does this imply about its nature? A) It's unexpected B) It follows a predictable pattern C) It's abnormal D) It's typical E) It's an isolated incident

  4. Which words suggest that a problem is widespread or commonly encountered? A) Unique B) Prevalent C) Scarce D) Widespread E) Isolated

  5. When a process is clearly defined and consistently followed, what term(s) might describe it? A) Ad-hoc B) Arbitrary C) Procedural D) Spontaneous E) Methodical

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Typically, project reviews are held every Monday morning. (Rewrite using "usual" or a related form.)

  2. For most team members, providing weekly progress updates is a standard expectation. (Rewrite using "usual" or a related form.)

  3. It is common for unforeseen technical issues to arise during large-scale software deployments. (Rewrite the sentence without using "usual" or any of its forms, using a suitable replacement word.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project manager emphasized that sticking to the usual timeline is crucial for timely delivery.
  2. After the system update, we encountered an unexpected error that prevented users from logging in.
  3. It's usual for new research findings to undergo a peer review process before publication.
  4. The team decided to conduct a comprehensive assessment of all potential risks involved in the new venture.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) Usual, D) Common, E) Customary
  2. B) Email, D) Video conference
  3. B) It follows a predictable pattern, D) It's typical
  4. B) Prevalent, D) Widespread
  5. C) Procedural, E) Methodical

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The usual time for project reviews is every Monday morning.
  2. It is usual for most team members to provide weekly progress updates.
  3. Unforeseen technical issues frequently arise during large-scale software deployments.

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