Ever found yourself typing an email and pausing at “Per usual” or “as per usual“? You’re not alone. These phrases pop up often in both spoken and written English. They seem to dance around the same meaning, but is there a subtle difference we’re missing? It’s time to clear the confusion.
This isn’t just about sounding smart or getting it right for the sake of grammar. It’s about understanding how these phrases work so you can use them with confidence. After all, mastering the small details can make a big difference in how we communicate. Let’s break it down.
The main difference between “Per Usual” and “As Per Usual” lies in their usage and correctness in English. “As Per Usual” is the correct form and is widely used to mean something happens in the usual way or as it normally does. It’s a common phrase in both spoken and written English, indicating that an event or action follows its normal course or routine. On the other hand, “Per Usual” is not standard English and is considered incorrect by most. Though you might hear some people use it, it’s not the preferred choice for formal or correct English communication. When speaking or writing, it’s best to use “As Per Usual” to convey that things are happening as they typically do.
Understanding “Per Usual” in Everyday Language
In conversational English, “per usual” is occasionally used to indicate that events are unfolding as expected or in a routine manner. While the term is less frequently used compared to “as per usual,” it still manages to convey a similar sense of normality in various situations.
Despite “per usual” being commonly understood in informal speech, language experts suggest using alternatives that better suit the context and provide clearer meaning in communication. Below are some examples of “per usual” in sentences to demonstrate its function in revealing the expected or habitual nature of an occurrence:
- Jane arrived at the office 10 minutes late, per usual.
- Per usual, the Monday morning traffic was heavy.
- Tim always stops by the coffee shop for his morning coffee, per usual.
Per usual, Bob ordered the same meal for lunch as he does every day.
Although considered acceptable in everyday language, “per usual” is not the best choice for maintaining a smooth conversational flow. You may find that using “similarly” or other alternatives comes across as more natural and precise:
- Similarly, John prefers going to the same coffee shop every day.
- As expected, Sarah was the last one to show up at the party.
- Typically, the subway is crowded during the morning rush hour.
When considering between “per usual” and another phrase, carefully assess the context of your conversation and the preferences of your audience. Sometimes, rephrasing your statement or opting for a different choice of words can lead to clearer communication and a better understanding of your intended meaning.
| Phrase | Context | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Per usual | Informal speech, everyday conversations | Indicate routine or habitual events |
| As per usual | Informal settings, colloquial language | Highlight continuity and consistency in situations |
| Similarly | Conversational English, both formal and informal contexts | Show same conditions or outcomes in diverse scenarios |
By understanding the nuances of “per usual” and its usage in conversational English, you can pick the right phraseology for various contexts and effectively communicate your message to your audience.
Breaking Down “As Per Usual” and Its Common Uses
In daily conversations, “as per usual” is a widely recognized expression, indicating that something is occurring in the same way it typically does. Although it serves the purpose of conveying consistency and routine, it also often leads to confusion regarding its appropriateness in different contexts. This section explores the common usages of “as per usual” in business communication and informal settings.
Usage in Business Communications
While “as per usual” is rarely considered a part of standard business terminology, it is not uncommon to hear it used in less formal business settings. Meetings, casual discussions, and email correspondence among colleagues might include the phrase to suggest that specific procedures or events are taking place as they usually do. However, it is crucial to avoid using “as per usual” in formal writing, where adherence to standard English and precision are required.
Example: “Our marketing team, as per usual, exceeded the sales target for this quarter.”
The Informal Nature of “As Per Usual” in English
In everyday conversation, the phrase “as per usual” has found its way into common parlance. In causal language use, it serves to highlight the routine nature of an event or action. However, as per usual informality, it is not considered part of standard proper English and should be avoided in more formal settings where linguistic precision is essential. Suggested alternatives for such scenarios include “as usual,” “normally,” and “customarily.”
Informal Use:
- She arrived late to the party, as per usual.
- The store down the street is having a sale, as per usual.
- John was cracking jokes during the meeting, as per usual.
“As per usual” is an informal phrase often used in casual conversations and business communication. Though it effectively communicates an action’s consistency or routine nature, it is better to avoid it in formal settings and adhere to standard English alternatives. By understanding the context and level of formality required, you can make the right decision on whether to use “as per usual” or one of its well-accepted alternatives.
The Dilemma: Choosing Between “As Usual” and “As Per Usual”
Deciding between using “as usual” and “as per usual” in your conversations is mostly about understanding the level of formality and the context in which these phrases are being used. Although the meaning and interpretation of these phrases do not differ significantly, it is essential to consider language decision-making and correct phrase usage to ensure effective communication.
“As usual” is the more accepted and standard form in English. It is suitable for both formal and informal conversations. On the other hand, “as per usual” is considered informal and might not be appropriate in formal settings. However, in relaxed and casual conversations, both phrases can typically be used interchangeably without causing confusion.
To help you understand when to use “as usual” and “as per usual” and ensure effective language decision-making, here are some scenarios that illustrate the use of these phrases in informal and formal contexts:
- Informal Conversation: In a casual chat with a friend, you can use both “as usual” and “as per usual” interchangeably without worrying about formality. Example: “Mark was late to the party, as per usual.”
- Formal Conversation: In a formal setting, “as usual” is the preferred phrase. Example: “The annual conference will be held in New York, as usual.”
It is crucial to remember that language evolves with time, and even though “as per usual” might not be considered formally correct, its usage in informal conversations is widespread and easy to understand. Making the right language decision depends on assessing the context and choosing the phrase that best aligns with the desired tone and formality.
Exploring the Prepositions “As Per” vs “Per”
Understanding the nuances behind the prepositions “as per” and “per” can help determine which phrase to use to communicate more effectively given the context and formality level. These prepositions share a common root in meaning but differ slightly in their preferred usage and connotations.
The Subtle Nuances in Meaning
While both “as per” and “per” are related to the concept of “according,” they convey slightly different meanings. “Per” can represent a per-unit measurement or refer to adherence to directives. For example:
As per company policy, employees are allowed to take paid leave.
On the other hand, “as per” almost exclusively denotes conformity to a specification or usual method, as seen in:
We will proceed as per the instructions provided.
Preferred Contexts and Formality Levels
Using these two prepositions appropriately hinges on understanding their preferred contexts and formality levels. “As per” is generally considered more formal than “per” and is deemed suitable for situations requiring a higher degree of formality.
| Preposition | Formality | Example |
|---|---|---|
| As per | More formal | As per your request, we are sending you the document. |
| Per | Less formal | Per our discussion, I have revised the project timeline. |
Given context-based language use, opting for “as per” or “per” is all about understanding the atmosphere within which you are communicating. More formal settings may call for “as per,” while relaxed or casual situations might warrant the use of “per.”
Being aware of the subtle differences between these prepositions allows for more effective communication. The choice between “as per” and “per” depends on the level of formality required for the discourse, which in turn dictates the appropriateness and relevance of each phrase. By gaining a deeper understanding of these preposition nuances, you can navigate the intricacies of the English language more confidently.
Alternatives to “Per Usual” and “As Per Usual” in Formal Writing
In formal writing settings, such as legal or academic documents, it is crucial to use standard English phrases and terminology that convey the intended message without falling into informality. This section will explore alternatives to “per usual” and “as per usual,” which are better suited for these formal contexts.
As usual is an acceptable substitute for both “per usual” and “as per usual” in more formal writing. This phrase maintains the intended meaning while aligning with the standard language norms expected in professional or academic contexts.
“As usual, the meeting will begin at 9 AM sharp.”
When indicating routine or habitual actions, several alternative phrases can be used that better conform to formal writing standards. Here is a list of some other preferred standard English phrases:
- per the usual
- normally
- often
- regularly
- typically
- simply
- customarily
Using these alternatives will help eliminate the informality associated with the phrases “per usual” and “as per usual” while conveying the intended meaning effectively.
| Informal Phrase | Formal Alternative |
|---|---|
| Per Usual | As Usual |
| As Per Usual | Normally |
| Per Usual | Regularly |
| As Per Usual | Typically |
In summary, avoiding informal expressions like “per usual” and “as per usual” in formal writing is essential to maintain clarity and adhere to established language norms. Instead, using the more standard alternatives outlined in this section can help communicate the routine or habitual nature of an occurrence while preserving formality.
