Many English speakers wonder, is it correct to say as per usual when they want to describe something that happens in the same way it normally does.
The short answer is yes: “as per usual” is grammatically correct and widely understood, but its naturalness depends on context, tone, and audience.
The phrase is common in everyday English, especially in casual conversation, informal writing, and humorous comments. However, some speakers consider it slightly less polished than alternatives such as “as usual” or “as always,” particularly in professional or formal communication.
Understanding the difference between being grammatically correct and sounding natural is important. This article explains what “as per usual” means, how native speakers use it, whether it is appropriate at work, and when another expression may be a better choice.
Is It Correct to Say “As Per Usual”?
Yes, “as per usual” is correct and natural in many situations. It means “as normally happens,” “as expected,” or “in the same way as always.” The phrase is generally informal and conversational, often used when something happens exactly as someone expected. While it is understood by native speakers, “as usual” is often simpler and more common.
What Does “As Per Usual” Mean in English?
The expression “as per usual” means that something has happened in the normal or expected way. It suggests that a situation follows a familiar pattern, often one that has happened many times before.
For example:
- “The train was late, as per usual.”
- “Sarah arrived early, as per usual.”
- “The team completed the project on time, as per usual.”
In each sentence, the speaker means that the event happened in the same way it normally does.
The phrase often carries an extra emotional shade. Depending on the situation, it can sound:
- Neutral: simply describing a repeated event
- Warm: referring to a familiar habit
- Amused: pointing out something predictable
- Slightly annoyed: criticizing a repeated problem
For example:
“He brought snacks for everyone, as per usual.”
This sounds positive and familiar.
However:
“The website crashed again, as per usual.”
This suggests frustration because the problem keeps happening.
The meaning is therefore not only about repetition; it can also reveal the speaker’s attitude toward that repeated situation.
Is “As Per Usual” Grammatically Correct?
The phrase “as per usual” is grammatically acceptable, although its structure may seem unusual to some learners.
The expression combines:
- as per = according to, following, or in line with
- usual = normal or expected
The word “per” is commonly used in phrases such as:
- “as per the instructions”
- “as per company policy”
- “as per your request”
However, in “as per usual,” “usual” functions differently because the phrase has become an established expression in English.
Compare these examples:
Correct:
- “The meeting started late, as per usual.”
- “She forgot her keys, as per usual.”
Less natural:
- “The meeting started late, as per the usual.”
The phrase does not normally require “the.”
Although “as per usual” is correct, many speakers prefer “as usual” because it is shorter and more traditional.
Examples:
- “He forgot his password, as usual.”
- “He forgot his password, as per usual.”
Both are correct, but the first sounds more straightforward.
How Natural Does “As Per Usual” Sound to Native Speakers?
Native English speakers generally understand “as per usual” immediately, but its level of naturalness varies.
In casual speech, it sounds perfectly normal:
“You’re late again, as per usual.”
In a friendly conversation, this may sound playful rather than rude.
In formal writing, however, many editors would choose a simpler alternative:
Instead of:
“The report was submitted late, as per usual.”
A professional writer might use:
“The report was submitted late, as usual.”
or:
“The report was submitted late, as expected.”
The reason is not that “as per usual” is wrong. The issue is that “as usual” is more concise and widely preferred in polished writing.
The phrase is especially common in spoken English, social media posts, and informal messages. It appears less often in formal reports, academic writing, and official documents.
Is “As Per Usual” Formal or Informal?
“As per usual” is mainly informal or conversational.
It is suitable for:
- Everyday conversations
- Text messages
- Social media comments
- Friendly emails
- Informal workplace conversations
It may be less suitable for:
- Legal documents
- Academic papers
- Formal business reports
- Official announcements
Examples:
Informal:
“Tom forgot his lunch again, as per usual.”
Professional but conversational:
“The marketing team delivered another successful campaign, as per usual.”
More formal:
“The marketing team delivered another successful campaign, as expected.”
The phrase is not rude or unprofessional by itself. The question is whether it matches the level of formality required.
When Should You Use “As Per Usual”?
“As per usual” works best when you are talking about something familiar, repeated, or predictable.
1. Talking about habits
Example:
“My brother called me on Sunday, as per usual.”
This means calling on Sunday is his normal habit.
2. Describing predictable behavior
Example:
“The children were excited about the trip, as per usual.”
The speaker expects this behavior because it happens often.
3. Making a humorous observation
Example:
“The cat ignored me, as per usual.”
The phrase adds personality and suggests the speaker finds the situation familiar or amusing.
4. Mentioning repeated problems
Example:
“The printer stopped working, as per usual.”
Here, the phrase may show mild frustration.
The expression works particularly well when both the speaker and listener already know the pattern being discussed.
Is “As Per Usual” Appropriate in Professional Emails and Workplaces?
In workplace communication, “as per usual” can be acceptable, but it depends on the relationship and tone.
With colleagues you know well, it may sound natural:
“Thanks for organizing everything so efficiently, as per usual.”
This sounds like a friendly compliment.
However, in a formal email to a client or senior manager, it may sound too casual:
Less suitable:
“The system failed again, as per usual.”
Better:
“The system experienced another issue, as expected based on previous occurrences.”
or:
“The system encountered the same issue again.”
Professional communication often benefits from being specific rather than relying on conversational phrases.
For example:
Instead of:
“The team handled the launch perfectly, as per usual.”
You could write:
“The team handled the launch successfully, as they have consistently done in previous projects.”
The second version sounds more formal and precise.
Examples of “As Per Usual” in Different Situations
The phrase changes slightly depending on the context. Here are realistic examples:
Everyday conversation
“She brought homemade cookies to the office, as per usual.”
Meaning: She normally does this.
Casual message
“I’m stuck in traffic, as per usual.”
Meaning: Being stuck in traffic happens often.
Workplace conversation
“The developers solved the issue quickly, as per usual.”
Meaning: They regularly perform well.
Friendly compliment
“You gave the best advice, as per usual.”
Meaning: The person always gives good advice.
Mild complaint
“The delivery arrived late, as per usual.”
Meaning: Late deliveries happen repeatedly.
Family conversation
“Dad fell asleep during the movie, as per usual.”
Meaning: This is his normal habit.
Informal writing
“The weekend disappeared too quickly, as per usual.”
Meaning: This commonly happens.
Social media comment
“Another amazing performance from the band, as per usual.”
Meaning: The band consistently performs well.
Professional but relaxed message
“Thanks for your quick response, as per usual.”
Meaning: The person is consistently responsive.
Formal alternative context
Less appropriate:
“The company exceeded expectations, as per usual.”
Better:
“The company exceeded expectations, as expected.”
The original sentence is understandable, but the alternative sounds more polished.
Common Mistakes When Using “As Per Usual”
Although the phrase is simple, learners sometimes use it incorrectly.
Mistake 1: Adding unnecessary words
Incorrect:
“As per the usual.”
Correct:
“As per usual.”
The expression normally does not include “the.”
Mistake 2: Using it for a first-time event
Incorrect:
“I visited Paris for the first time, as per usual.”
This does not work because there is no previous pattern.
Better:
“I visited Paris for the first time, as planned.”
“As per usual” requires something that happens repeatedly.
Mistake 3: Using it in very formal writing
Incorrect or awkward:
“The annual financial report was delayed, as per usual.”
A formal document would usually avoid this expression.
Better:
“The annual financial report was delayed, as expected based on previous timelines.”
Mistake 4: Assuming it always means something positive
The phrase can be positive, negative, or neutral.
Positive:
“She helped everyone, as per usual.”
Negative:
“He forgot the deadline, as per usual.”
The meaning depends on the surrounding context.
“As Per Usual” vs. “As Usual” vs. “As Always”
These expressions are similar, but they are not identical in tone.
| Expression | Meaning | Tone | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| As usual | In the normal way; as commonly happens | Neutral and natural | Most situations |
| As per usual | In the normal way; often with a familiar or conversational feel | Informal | Conversation and casual writing |
| As always | Continuing a consistent pattern, often positive | Warm or appreciative | Compliments and personal communication |
Examples:
As usual
“She arrived early, as usual.”
Simple and neutral.
As per usual
“She arrived early, as per usual.”
More conversational and slightly more expressive.
As always
“She arrived early, as always.”
Emphasizes consistency and can sound more appreciative.
In most cases, “as usual” is the safest choice because it works in both casual and professional settings.
Better Alternatives to “As Per Usual”
Depending on your intended tone, several alternatives may work better.
| Alternative | Meaning | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| As usual | The normal way something happens | Neutral |
| As always | The same reliable pattern continues | Warm or positive |
| As expected | Something happened according to expectations | Professional |
| Once again | Something happened another time | Neutral |
| Like always | Similar to “as always” | Informal |
| Typically | Something commonly happens | Formal or neutral |
Examples:
Original:
“The meeting ended late, as per usual.”
Alternatives:
Neutral:
“The meeting ended late, as usual.”
Professional:
“The meeting ended late, as expected.”
More direct:
“The meeting ended late once again.”
Warm:
“She supported the team, as always.”
Choosing the right phrase depends on whether you want to sound casual, professional, appreciative, or critical.
Regional Usage in American and British English
“As per usual” is understood in both American and British English. There is no major difference in meaning between the two varieties.
However, speakers in different regions may have different preferences. Some people in both the United States and the United Kingdom find “as usual” more natural because it is shorter and more common.
British English often uses “as per” in formal expressions:
- “as per your email”
- “as per the agreement”
American English uses these expressions as well.
The phrase “as per usual” itself is more conversational than formal in both varieties.
Regardless of region, the safest choice in professional writing is usually “as usual.”
FAQs
Is “as per usual” grammatically correct?
Yes, “as per usual” is grammatically correct and commonly understood. It means that something happens in the same way it normally does. Although correct, it is more informal than “as usual,” which is often preferred in formal writing.
Can you say “as per usual” in professional emails?
Yes, but use it carefully. It can sound friendly in casual workplace communication, especially among colleagues. For formal emails, reports, or communication with clients, “as usual” or “as expected” often sounds more professional.
What is the difference between “as usual” and “as per usual”?
Both expressions mean that something happened in the normal or expected way. “As usual” is more common and neutral, while “as per usual” has a more conversational tone and may emphasize familiarity or repetition.
Is “as per usual” polite?
Yes, “as per usual” is generally polite. However, the phrase can sound critical depending on the situation. For example, “You forgot your keys, as per usual” may sound teasing or slightly annoyed.
Is “as per usual” better than “as always”?
Not necessarily. “As usual” focuses on something happening normally, while “as always” often emphasizes reliability or appreciation. For example, “Thanks for your help, as always” sounds warmer than “Thanks for your help, as per usual.”
Can “as per usual” be used in formal writing?
It can be understood in formal writing, but it is not usually the best choice. Formal documents often benefit from clearer alternatives such as “as expected,” “as previously noted,” or “as normally occurs.”
Final Thoughts
Yes, “is it correct to say as per usual” has a clear answer: the expression is grammatically correct and natural in many everyday situations.
It means that something happened in the same way it normally does and is often used to describe familiar habits, repeated events, or predictable situations.
However, context matters. “As per usual” has a conversational feel, so it works especially well in casual speech, friendly messages, and informal workplace communication.
In formal writing or professional documents, “as usual,” “as expected,” or “as always” may sound smoother depending on the meaning you want to express.
When choosing between these phrases, consider your audience and tone. If you want a simple, neutral expression, choose “as usual.” If you want a more familiar or slightly humorous tone, “as per usual” can be a good choice.
I am Sayan Roy, an English language enthusiast dedicated to helping readers understand word meanings, vocabulary, grammar, and useful English expressions through clear, simple, and informative content.
