# usually

/ˈjuʒəɫi/ (US) · /jˈuːʒuːəli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/usually
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. most of the time

adverb · CEFR A1

most of the time, or in most cases.

For teachers: occurring in the majority of instances; less frequent than 'always' but more frequent than 'often'.

- 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.

### 2. under normal conditions

adverb · CEFR B1

what happens in a normal or ordinary situation.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- I usually have coffee for breakfast.
- The train is usually on time, but today it was delayed by ten minutes.
- While the library usually remains open until midnight, the staff occasionally closes the doors early during the summer months to perform essential maintenance on the stacks.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.