normally

/ˈnɔːməli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈnɔːrməli/ (ame, ipa) · /-lē -li/ (ame, mw)

normally — adverb

1. happening or done in the way that is usual, expected, or considered standard, es

1.副詞A2
釋義

happening or done in the way that is usual, expected, or considered standard, especially after a change or disruption.

例句

Valentina's heart is beating normally, so the doctor said she can go home.

collocation: function/run/work/beat normally

Once the new software is installed, the computer should work normally.

同義詞
  • ordinarily

    more formal; used in writing rather than speech

  • as usual

    phrase used at the clause level, not mid-sentence (e.g. 'As usual, he was late')

  • conventionally

    emphasises social custom or accepted practice; more formal

反義詞
  • abnormally

    describes something deviating from the norm, often in a medical or technical context

文法句型

normally + verb (describes how something happens)

用法筆記

Commonly pairs with verbs describing operation or function (work, run, function, operate, beat). Often appears in contexts that compare a disrupted state to the expected state.

常見錯誤

❌The computer normally working after the repair.
✅The computer is working normally after the repair.
💡'normally' as an adverb of manner must modify a verb, not replace the auxiliary.

2. used to describe what someone does as a regular habit or what typically happens

2.副詞A2
釋義

used to describe what someone does as a regular habit or what typically happens in a particular situation.

例句

I normally walk to work, but today I took the bus because it was raining.

contrast between normal routine and a specific exception

The library normally closes at eight o'clock on weekdays.

同義詞
  • usually

    slightly more common in everyday speech; focuses on the most frequent outcome

  • generally

    suggests a broad trend with more exceptions allowed

  • typically

    highlights the representative or characteristic case

  • as a rule

    more formal; used at the start of a sentence

反義詞
  • rarely

    indicates low frequency, the opposite end of the frequency scale

  • occasionally

    describes something that happens sometimes, not regularly

文法句型

normally + verb phrase (habit or routine); can also appear at the beginning of a clause

用法筆記

Position typically falls before the main verb (after the auxiliary or 'be') in simple tenses, or at the start of a sentence for emphasis. Cannot describe a single past event — use a simple past tense instead of 'normally' to report a one-time occurrence.

常見錯誤

❌I normally went to the park yesterday.
✅I usually go to the park on weekends.
💡'normally' (frequency sense) does not work with a single past event; use simple past without 'normally' instead.