Usually vs Normally

“Usually” and “normally” are both adverbs; more specifically, they are two of many examples of adverbs of frequency. Adverbs of frequency are adverbs that show how something happens in terms of a timely basis–how the action is repeated by the doer of the action or how many times the said action is observed by people. Adverbs of frequency show information by telling time and creating a time basis for the occurring action.

Adverbs of frequency themselves have two categories–definite frequency and indefinite frequency. Both “usually” and “normally” belong to the group of indefinite adverbs of frequency since both terms do not indicate a specific time frame in their descriptions. In the hierarchy of occurrence, “normally” and “usually” are placed third. The most frequent indicator is “always” (indicating an action that occurs with a 100 per cent occurrence). “Always” is followed frequently by the action in question and occurs most of the time while “usually” or “normally” places third with the indication of an 80 per cent occurrence of a particular action. This hierarchy of frequency is often used and apparent in many survey questionnaires that use adverbs of frequency as measuring tools for the degree of occurrence or self-assessing behaviors.

Both “normally” and “usually” are often placed in the middle of the sentence between the subject and the verb, most of the time after the main verb. Another style of placement is when “normally” or “usually” is placed at the beginning or at the end of the sentence. When used at the beginning, the adverb (whether “normally,” “usually” or other related adverb) is followed by a comma and a complete sentence initiated by the subject. The latter technique is used in many cases that require emphasis or an alternative style of sentence syntax.

“Usually” and “normally” can be interchanged when used. They can also be used as alternatives for each other. There is only a slight difference between the two terms. One of the main differences is their base word. “Usually” has “usual” for its base while “normal” forms “normally.” They are both adverb forms of their base words. There is also a similarity when it comes to the meaning of the two words. “Usually” and “normally” are categorically divided into two meanings; one refers to what is done most of the time, and the other refers to conditions done under normal or average circumstances.

Both words connote the meaning of a habit, regularity, and a standard for what is expected.

Summary:

1.The main difference between the two terms is their base word and their respective word origins. The base word for “normally” is “normal” while the same can be said for “usual” in relation to “usually.”
2.Both “usually” and “normally” are adverbs of frequency, and both terms describe the same degree of frequency (80 per cent) of occurrence or degree of repetition of a particular action. The terms can be used interchangeably and as alternatives or synonyms for each other as well as for other adverbs that convey the same concept.
3.Both terms have the same meaning, condition, function, and classification. They belong to the indefinite class group for adverbs of frequency.
4.They are considered as vague or having a general and no definite time basis. They are also considered as neither positive or negative adverbs.
5.“Usually” and “normally” (as well as other related adverbs) are placed in third place in indicating the specific degree of frequency or occurrence. They were preceded by the adverbs “always” (indicating 100 per cent) and “frequently” (indicating 90 per cent). Other adverbs of frequency are: often, sometimes, occasionally, seldom, rarely and never succeed in fourth to ninth places respectively.

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