What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ordinary
Example
I ordered the ordinary coffee, nothing fancy. [ordinary: adjective]
Example
The day-to-day routine can become quite ordinary. [ordinary: noun]
usual
Example
I'll have my usual order, please. [usual: adjective]
Example
It's not unusual for him to arrive late. [unusual: negative prefix + usual]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Usual is more commonly used than ordinary in everyday language. Usual is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ordinary is less common and often used in more specific situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between ordinary and usual?
Both ordinary and usual are relatively neutral in terms of formality, and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
