What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
typical
Example
The typical American breakfast includes eggs, bacon, and toast. [typical: adjective]
Example
It's typical for teenagers to stay up late and sleep in on weekends. [typical: preposition + noun]
usual
Example
I'll have my usual coffee with cream and sugar. [usual: adjective]
Example
It's not unusual for traffic to be heavy during rush hour. [unusual: negative form of usual]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Usual is more commonly used than typical in everyday language. Usual is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while typical is more specific and may be used less frequently.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between typical and usual?
Both typical and usual are relatively neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
