Normally: ordinary conditions

The idea

Put normally before a main verb or after a form of be. It can also begin a sentence.

Examples

• The shop normally closes at six.
• We normally cycle along the river.
• The room is normally warm in April.
• Normally, the train stops at this platform.
• The garden normally needs more water in summer.
• Our neighbours normally leave their lights on.

Watch out

Normally does not mean without exception: an unusual day may be different.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the word that allows an exception. The café ___ opens at eight, but today it opens at nine. (normally / never)

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   normally

   Normally fits because today is an exception to the usual schedule.

2. Choose the word that allows an exception. The shelves ___ full in the morning. (are normally / normally are only)

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   are normally

   Are normally places the adverb after the verb.

3. Choose the word that allows an exception. Under ordinary conditions, the ferry runs daily. It ___ runs daily. (normally / never)

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   normally

   Normally expresses the ordinary conditions described here.

Use it today

Describe a usual opening time and one exception.