Word
usually
Phoneticsusu·al·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈjuʒəɫi/
UK/jˈuːʒuːəli/
Adverb of frequency
Definitions
01most of the time
A1 · Beginner
adv. most of the time, or in most cases.
adv. occurring in the majority of instances; less frequent than 'always' but more frequent than 'often'.
Español:usualmente
“I usually have a cup of coffee as soon as I wake up.”
“While the commute is generally pleasant, it usually takes much longer on rainy days when traffic congestion peaks.”
Usage
Typically placed before the main verb, but after the verb 'to be' or auxiliary verbs.
Pitfall
I usually am tired after work.
I am usually tired after work.
Frequency adverbs like 'usually' typically go after the verb 'to be' but before other main verbs.
Antonyms
02under normal conditions
B1 · Intermediate
adv. what happens in a normal or ordinary situation.
adv. used to describe what is expected or standard under ordinary conditions.
“The shop is usually open by eight, but today they are late.”
“Under these specific environmental parameters, the chemical reaction usually proceeds without the need for an external catalyst.”
Usage
Often used at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis on the standard state of affairs.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “usually” in context.
Etymology
From Middle English usualli, equivalent to usual + -ly. Displaced native Old English ġewunelīċe.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · BeginnerOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/usually
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0