Usually
/ˈjuːʒuəli/
adverbA2
Definition
Usually is an adverb that tells us something happens in most cases or most of the time. It shows what is normal or common, but not always. For example, if you usually eat breakfast at 8 a.m., it means you do it most days, but maybe not every day.
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See It in Action
Happening most of the time; in the normal or regular way
- •I usually wake up at 7 a.m.
- •She usually drinks coffee in the morning.
- •We usually go to the park on Sundays.
In normal situations or under normal conditions
- •Usually, the store closes at 9 p.m.
- •He is usually very friendly.
- •Usually, it rains more in spring than in summer.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "usually" like "often" (A2 word), but it means something happens in most cases, not just sometimes
- ✓Picture a clock showing 7 a.m. every day, meaning you do something at that time most days
- ✓It's the feeling when you expect something to happen because it happens many times before
- ✓Sounds like "YOU-zhoo-uh-lee" → Imagine YOU doing something almost every day, like brushing your teeth
- ✓Think about daily routines like going to school or work, which you usually do on weekdays
- ✓NOT like "always" (which means every time), "usually" means most times but not all
- ✓NOT like "sometimes" (which means less often), "usually" is more frequent and common
Try Other Words
- •Generally: meaning in most cases or usually (Use when talking about common situations or general truths)
- •Commonly: meaning happening often or by many people (Use when emphasizing what many people do or what is normal)
- •Normally: meaning under normal conditions or most of the time (Use when talking about what happens in usual conditions)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "usu-" (from Latin "usus" meaning use) + "-ally" (adverb suffix meaning in the way of)
- •Etymology: Comes from Latin "usualis," meaning customary or habitual
- •Historical development: Entered English in the 15th century to describe what is customary or done by habit
- •Modern usage: Used to describe actions or situations that happen most of the time but not always
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when something you usually do changed? How did that feel?
•How does knowing the word "usually" help you describe your daily habits or routines?
Fill in the blanks
1.I usually ___ breakfast before going to work because it gives me energy.
2.The weather is usually ___ in spring, but sometimes it can be cold.
3.She doesn't always come on time, but she usually ___ early.
4.Usually means something happens in ___ cases, not every single time.
5.We usually ___ to the beach in summer, but last year we stayed home.
6.If someone says "I usually read before bed," we can ___ they do it most nights.
7.The store is usually ___ on weekends, so it's best to go early.