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Usually

The adverb usually refers to what typically or normally happens. We use it mostly in mid position, between the subject and the main verb, or after the modal verb or first auxiliary verb, or after be as a main verb:

  • Children usually enjoy visits to the zoo.
  • Not: Children enjoy usually visits …
  • I usually get up around eight o’clock.
  • You can usually buy tickets for rock concerts on the Internet.
  • Are you usually in your office on Thursdays?
warning

Usually does not mean the same as used to or be used to. Usually refers to what typically or normally happens. Used to refers to things which were true in the past but not now. Be used to means ‘be accustomed to’ or ‘be familiar with’:

  • We usually watch the news on TV before we go to bed.
  • Not: We used to watch the news … or We’re used to watching the news … or We use to watch the news …

We can also use the verb tend to talk about what usually happens:

  • We tend to watch the news on TV before we go to bed.

We say as usual, not as usually, to talk about something which happens in the normal or typical way:

  • We shall meet again as usual at 5 pm next Tuesday.
  • Not: We shall meet again as usually at …

Typical errors​

Take care to spell usually with ll.

Don’t confuse usually and used to. Usually refers to what normally happens; used to refers to things which were true in the past but are no longer true:

  • I usually play football on Wednesday evenings, so Thursday would be better for me to go out for a meal.
  • Not: I used to play football …