What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
normal
Example
It's normal to feel nervous before a big exam. [normal: adjective]
Example
The doctor said my blood pressure is normal. [normal: noun]
usual
Example
My usual routine is to wake up at 6 am and go for a run. [usual: adjective]
Example
As usual, he was late for the meeting. [usual: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Normal is more commonly used than usual in everyday language, as it can be used in a wider range of situations and contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between normal and usual?
Both normal and usual are relatively neutral in terms of formality, and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.