Have you ever wondered if to write “per usual” or “as per usual”? Both expressions are used to describe something that happens in the same way it normally does, but they differ slightly in tone, formality, and usage. Understanding the difference can help you choose the right phrase for everyday conversations, emails, and writing.
In this guide, we will explain the meaning of “per usual” and “as per usual,” show you how to use each expression correctly, and provide practical examples. You will also learn whether these phrases are interchangeable, which one sounds more natural in different situations, and how American and British English use them. Whether you are a student, an ESL learner, or simply looking to improve your English, this article will help you understand these expressions with confidence.
Quick Answer: Per Usual vs. As Per Usual
“Per usual” and “as per usual” both mean “as usual” or “in the way that normally happens.” “Per usual” is a shorter, informal expression, while “as per usual” is a longer variant that can sound conversational or slightly more emphatic. In most everyday situations, “as usual” is a natural alternative to both.
Why Do People Confuse “Per Usual” and “As Per Usual”?
People often confuse these expressions because they share the word “usual” and communicate nearly the same idea.
Both phrases refer to something that happens regularly or follows a familiar pattern.
For example:
- Per usual: Jake arrived late, per usual.
- As per usual: Jake arrived late, as per usual.
Both sentences suggest that Jake’s lateness is a recurring habit.
The confusion also comes from the word “per,” which often means “according to” or “for each.” In these expressions, however, it is part of a phrase meaning “as normally happens.”
1. What Does “Per Usual” Mean?
“Per usual” means “as usual” or “in the way that normally happens.” It is an informal expression used to describe a familiar routine, repeated behavior, or expected situation.
It is commonly used in casual conversations, text messages, and informal writing.
Examples of “Per Usual”
- She was late to class, per usual.
- He forgot his keys, per usual.
- The coffee shop was crowded, per usual.
- My brother made everyone laugh, per usual.
- The bus arrived late, per usual.
When Should You Use “Per Usual”?
Use “per usual” when you want to describe a recurring event or familiar behavior in a casual, natural way.
It works especially well when the situation is already familiar to the people involved.
Example:
“Tom brought snacks for everyone, per usual.”
This means Tom regularly brings snacks, and he did so again.
2. What Does “As Per Usual” Mean?
“As per usual” means “as usual” or “just as normally happens.” It is a variation of “per usual” used to describe a familiar or repeated situation.
The expression is often used in conversation and informal writing. Depending on the context, it can sound slightly more emphatic than “per usual.”
Examples of “As Per Usual”
- As per usual, Sarah arrived early.
- He was talking about football, as per usual.
- As per usual, the meeting started late.
- The children were playing outside, as per usual.
- She helped everyone, as per usual.
When Should You Use “As Per Usual”?
Use “as per usual” when you want to emphasize that something happened in its familiar, expected way.
Example:
“As per usual, Dad made pancakes on Sunday morning.”
This means making pancakes is a regular Sunday tradition for Dad.
Per Usual vs. As Per Usual: Comparison Table
|
Feature
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Per Usual
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As Per Usual
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| — | — | — |
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Meaning
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As normally happens
|
As normally happens
|
|
Length
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Shorter expression
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Longer expression
|
|
Tone
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Informal
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Informal or conversational
|
|
Usage
|
Casual speech and writing
|
Casual speech and writing
|
|
Example
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He was late, per usual.
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He was late, as per usual.
|
|
Formal writing
|
Usually avoid
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Usually avoid
|
|
Alternative
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As usual
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As usual
|
Key difference: The two expressions have essentially the same meaning. The main difference is their wording and the emphasis they may carry in context.
When to Use “Per Usual” vs. “As Per Usual”
Choosing between these phrases depends mainly on your sentence and the tone you want to convey.
Use “Per Usual” When:
- You want a short, casual expression.
- You are writing a text message or informal comment.
- You are describing a familiar habit or repeated event.
Example: “Mike forgot his lunch, per usual.”
Use “As Per Usual” When:
- You prefer the longer expression.
- You want to emphasize a familiar pattern.
- You are writing conversational prose or telling a story.
Example: “As per usual, the kids were full of energy.”
Use “As Usual” When:
- You want a simple, widely understood expression.
- You are writing formal or professional English.
- You want to avoid uncertainty about which variation to use.
Example: “As usual, the meeting began at nine.”
12 Examples of “Per Usual” and “As Per Usual”
Here are 12 practical examples showing how both expressions work in everyday English.
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No.
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Per Usual
|
As Per Usual
|
| — | — | — |
|
1
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He arrived late, per usual.
|
He arrived late, as per usual.
|
|
2
|
She brought coffee, per usual.
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She brought coffee, as per usual.
|
|
3
|
The team won, per usual.
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The team won, as per usual.
|
|
4
|
Mom cooked dinner, per usual.
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Mom cooked dinner, as per usual.
|
|
5
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The store was busy, per usual.
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The store was busy, as per usual.
|
|
6
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He forgot his homework, per usual.
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He forgot his homework, as per usual.
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|
7
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She made us laugh, per usual.
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She made us laugh, as per usual.
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|
8
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The train was delayed, per usual.
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The train was delayed, as per usual.
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|
9
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They argued about politics, per usual.
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They argued about politics, as per usual.
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10
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The dog barked at the mail carrier, per usual.
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The dog barked at the mail carrier, as per usual.
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|
11
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He stayed up late, per usual.
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He stayed up late, as per usual.
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|
12
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The children played outside, per usual.
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The children played outside, as per usual.
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These examples show that both expressions can fit naturally into similar sentences.
Common Mistakes When Using “Per Usual” and “As Per Usual”
Although both expressions are understandable, some common mistakes can make your writing less natural.
1. Using “Per Usual” in Formal Writing
“Per usual” is informal and may sound out of place in academic papers or professional reports.
Less suitable: “The report was submitted late, per usual.”
Better: “As usual, the report was submitted late.”
2. Confusing “As Per Usual” With “As Per Your Request”
These phrases have different meanings and uses.
- As per usual: In the way that normally happens.
- As per your request: According to your request.
Example: “As per your request, I have attached the document.”
Here, “as per” means “according to,” not “as usual.”
3. Using the Phrase to Describe a One-Time Event
“Per usual” and “as per usual” generally refer to repeated or familiar situations.
Less natural: “I visited Paris yesterday, per usual,” if it was your first visit.
Better: “I visited Paris yesterday.”
4. Assuming “As Per Usual” Is More Formal
The longer expression is not automatically more formal than “per usual.”
For professional or academic writing, “as usual” is often the more straightforward choice.
5. Repeating the Phrase Unnecessarily
Using these expressions too often can make your writing repetitive.
Instead, consider alternatives such as “normally,” “as expected,” or “as always,” depending on the context.
Memory Trick: How to Remember the Difference
Use this simple memory trick:
- Per Usual = Short and Casual
- As Per Usual = Longer Version
- As Usual = Simple and Versatile
Remember that both “per usual” and “as per usual” refer to something familiar or repeated.
Easy example:
“Jake forgot his homework, per usual.”
“As per usual, Jake forgot his homework.”
Both sentences describe the same recurring behavior.
American vs. British English: Is There a Difference?
“Per usual” and “as per usual” are understandable in both American and British English, although preferences can vary by speaker and context.
American English
In American English, “per usual” is commonly encountered in informal conversation and casual writing.
“As usual” is also widely used and works well in both formal and informal contexts.
British English
In British English, “as usual” is a familiar and widely accepted expression.
“As per usual” is also used, particularly in conversational contexts, while “per usual” may sound less familiar to some speakers.
Which One Should You Choose?
For clear communication across both varieties of English, “as usual” is a reliable choice.
Similar Words and Expressions
Several expressions have meanings close to “per usual” and “as per usual.”
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Expression
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Meaning
|
Example
|
| — | — | — |
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As usual
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In the normal way
|
She arrived early, as usual.
|
|
As always
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In the same way every time
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He was helpful, as always.
|
|
Normally
|
In the usual way
|
I normally walk to work.
|
|
Usually
|
Most of the time
|
We usually eat at six.
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|
As expected
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In the way anticipated
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The event went well, as expected.
|
|
Typically
|
In a way that is characteristic
|
She typically arrives early.
|
|
As is customary
|
According to established practice
|
As is customary, the host welcomed the guests.
|
These alternatives can help you avoid repetition and choose a phrase that fits the tone of your writing.
Final Verdict: Per Usual or As Per Usual?
“Per usual” and “as per usual” are both informal expressions meaning “as usual.” Neither has a fundamentally different meaning from the other, and both can describe familiar habits, routines, or repeated events.
Choose “per usual” for a shorter, casual expression or “as per usual” for the longer variation. If you want a simple and widely accepted option, especially in formal writing, use “as usual.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is “per usual” grammatically correct?
Yes. “Per usual” is an established informal expression meaning “as usual.” It is commonly used in casual speech and writing.
2. Is “as per usual” correct English?
Yes. “As per usual” is an informal expression meaning “as normally happens.” It is used to describe familiar or repeated situations.
3. Which is correct: “per usual” or “as per usual”?
Both expressions are used in English and have essentially the same meaning. The choice depends on personal preference, context, and tone.
4. Is “per usual” formal or informal?
“Per usual” is generally informal. It is more suitable for casual conversations, messages, and relaxed writing than for formal reports or academic papers.
5. Can I use “as per usual” in a professional email?
You can, but “as usual” is often a more straightforward choice in professional communication.
For example: “As usual, the meeting will begin at 10 a.m.”
6. What is another way to say “per usual”?
Common alternatives include “as usual,” “as always,” “normally,” “typically,” and “as expected.” The best alternative depends on the sentence.
7. Does “as per usual” mean “according to the usual”?
Not exactly. “As per usual” means “as normally happens.” In this expression, the phrase refers to a familiar pattern rather than a specific rule or instruction.
Remember This
- Per usual: An informal expression meaning “as usual.”
- As per usual: A longer informal variation with essentially the same meaning.
- As usual: A simple, widely accepted alternative suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Both “per usual” and “as per usual” can describe familiar routines or repeated events.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between “per usual” and “as per usual” is simple once you recognize that both expressions refer to something that happens in a familiar or expected way. They are generally interchangeable, with differences mainly in wording and tone.
For everyday conversations, either expression can work naturally. In professional or academic writing, “as usual” is often a clearer alternative. By choosing the phrase that fits your context, you can make your English sound more natural, clear, and confident.
David Henry is a language enthusiast and content writer specializing in synonyms, vocabulary, and word meanings. He creates clear, engaging resources that help readers improve their writing, communication, and English skills.
