Have you ever wondered about per usual vs as per usual and which expression is correct? 🤔 You may have seen sentences like “As per usual, he was late” or “Per usual, he was late” in conversations, messages, and online posts. Both expressions are used to describe something that happens in the normal or expected way, but they do not have exactly the same level of formality.
The confusion comes from the fact that the two expressions have almost the same meaning. Both can be used to describe something that happens in the normal or expected way. However, they do not have exactly the same level of acceptance or formality.
As per usual is the established idiomatic expression meaning “as usual” or “as normally happens.” Per usual is commonly used as a shortened, informal version of the same idea. You may hear or see “per usual” in casual conversations, texts, social media posts, and informal writing, but as per usual is the safer choice when you want standard, polished English.
In this guide, we will explain per usual vs as per usual, show you how each expression works, compare their meanings, examine common mistakes, and provide practical examples. Surname vs Last Name vs Family Name
Quick Answer: Per Usual vs As Per Usual
As per usual is the more established expression and means “as usual” or “as normally happens.”
Per usual is an informal shortened form that is also used to mean “as usual,” especially in casual speech and writing.
For formal or professional writing, as usual is often the clearest and most natural choice.
Examples:
- As per usual, Sarah arrived early.
- Per usual, Sarah arrived early. (informal)
- As usual, Sarah arrived early. (simple and standard)
So, if you are unsure which one to use, choose as usual or as per usual.
Understanding the Basics of Per Usual vs As Per Usual
The easiest way to understand per usual vs as per usual is to focus on meaning and formality.
What Does “As Per Usual” Mean?
As per usual is an idiom that means “as usual,” “as normally happens,” or “in the expected way.”
It is used when something happens in the same way it normally happens.
For example:
As per usual, Tom forgot his keys.
This means Tom forgot his keys again, which is something he normally does.
The expression can describe a repeated behavior, routine, situation, or event.
Another example:
The store was busy as per usual.
This means the store was busy in the normal way or just as it usually is.
Cambridge Dictionary lists as per usual/normal as an idiom meaning “as usual.”
What Does “Per Usual” Mean?
Per usual is commonly used as an informal shortened form of as per usual.
For example:
Per usual, Mike forgot his lunch.
The intended meaning is:
Mike forgot his lunch again, just as he normally does.
You may encounter per usual in casual conversations, messages, online posts, and informal writing.
However, it is not the best choice when you need especially polished or formal English.
The Basic Difference
There is no major difference in the basic meaning.
The bigger difference is usage and formality.
| Form | Type | Meaning | Example | Correct/Incorrect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| as per usual | Idiomatic phrase | As usual; normally | As per usual, he arrived late. | Correct |
| per usual | Informal expression | As usual | Per usual, he arrived late. | Informal but commonly used |
| as usual | Standard phrase | In the normal way | As usual, he arrived late. | Correct and preferred |
| per the usual | Different construction | According to the usual practice | Per the usual procedure, we checked the file. | Correct in the right context |
| per usuals | Incorrect | — | Per usuals, he arrived late. | Incorrect |
The key point is simple: “as per usual” is the established idiom, while “per usual” is an informal shortened version used by many speakers.
Is “Per Usual” Correct?
This is one of the most common questions about this expression.
The answer depends on what you mean by “correct.”
Per usual is widely understood and commonly used in informal English. It is not normally a good choice if you are trying to write in a formal, polished style.
For example:
Per usual, James forgot his password.
Most readers will understand the sentence immediately.
However, in a formal report, professional email, academic paper, or business document, you would usually write:
As usual, James forgot his password.
Or:
As per usual, James forgot his password.
The first option, as usual, is usually the most natural and concise.
So it is better to think of per usual as an informal expression, rather than simply labeling it “wrong.”
Is “As Per Usual” Correct?
Yes. As per usual is a recognized English idiom meaning “as usual.”
For example:
As per usual, the meeting started five minutes late.
This means the meeting started late, just as it normally does.
The expression can be used at the beginning or end of a sentence.
At the Beginning
As per usual, Lisa brought extra snacks.
At the End
Lisa brought extra snacks, as per usual.
Both sentences communicate the same basic idea.
Why Does “Per Usual” Sound Natural to Some People?
Language changes through everyday use.
When people speak quickly, they often shorten familiar expressions. As per usual can naturally become per usual in casual speech.
Compare:
- “As per usual, he was late.”
- “Per usual, he was late.”
The second version removes as, but the intended meaning remains clear.
This type of shortening happens frequently in informal English. Speakers often leave out words when the listener can easily understand the meaning from context.
That does not automatically make the shortened form appropriate for every situation.
A useful rule is:
Common in conversation does not always mean best for formal writing.
That distinction is especially important for English learners.
As Per Usual vs As Usual
Although this article focuses on per usual vs as per usual, there is another expression worth remembering: as usual.
In many situations, as usual is actually the best choice.
Compare:
As usual, David arrived early.
As per usual, David arrived early.
Both are understandable and correct.
The first sentence is shorter and more direct.
Why “As Usual” Is Often Better
As usual is:
- Short
- Natural
- Easy to understand
- Suitable for formal and informal writing
- Very common in American English
For example:
As usual, the coffee shop was crowded.
This sounds completely natural.
You could also say:
As per usual, the coffee shop was crowded.
But the extra words are not necessary.
Correct Meanings and Uses
1. To Describe a Repeated Habit
Use as per usual when someone does something they commonly do.
As per usual, John arrived ten minutes late.
Breakdown:
- As per usual = as normally happens
- John = subject
- arrived = action
- ten minutes late = result
The sentence suggests that John’s lateness is a familiar pattern.
An informal version would be:
Per usual, John arrived ten minutes late.
A simpler standard version is:
As usual, John arrived ten minutes late.
2. To Describe a Normal Situation
The expression can also describe a situation rather than a person’s behavior.
The restaurant was crowded as per usual.
This means the restaurant was crowded in the normal or expected way.
You could also say:
The restaurant was crowded, as usual.
Or:
As usual, the restaurant was crowded.
3. To Show That Something Happened Again
Sometimes as per usual carries a slight sense of repetition.
As per usual, the bus was late.
The speaker probably expected the bus to be late because that has happened before.
This can sound neutral, humorous, or slightly annoyed depending on the context.
For example:
As per usual, my computer decided to update right before the meeting. 😅
The sentence has a humorous tone because the speaker is pointing out a familiar problem.
4. To Point Out a Familiar Pattern
You can use the expression when something follows a familiar pattern.
As per usual, the team celebrated after winning the game.
The celebration is not surprising because the team normally celebrates after a victory.
Test Tip: Replace It With “As Usual”
Here is an easy test for per usual vs as per usual.
Replace the expression with as usual.
If the sentence still makes sense, the expression is probably being used correctly.
For example:
As per usual, Maria brought coffee.
Replace it:
As usual, Maria brought coffee.
The meaning remains clear.
Now try:
Per usual, Maria brought coffee.
Replace it:
As usual, Maria brought coffee.
Again, the meaning is clear.
This test helps you identify the intended meaning, but it does not tell you which version is more formal.
For formal writing, choose as usual or as per usual.
Case Study: A Workplace Example
Imagine that an employee sends an email to a coworker after a weekly meeting.
Informal Message
Per usual, the meeting ran over by 20 minutes. 😅
This is perfectly understandable in a casual workplace chat.
However, imagine writing a formal report for a manager.
Professional Version
As usual, the meeting ran approximately 20 minutes over the scheduled time.
This sounds more polished.
You could also write:
As per usual, the meeting ran approximately 20 minutes over the scheduled time.
But as usual is more concise.
What Can We Learn?
The meaning does not change very much.
The main difference is the tone.
- Per usual → casual and conversational
- As per usual → established and somewhat more formal
- As usual → simple, natural, and widely appropriate
Choosing the right form depends on your audience.
Grammar Rules: Why Are These Expressions Different?
The word per is traditionally a preposition with meanings such as “for each” or “according to,” depending on the construction.
For example:
$10 per person
Here, per means “for each.”
Another example is:
60 miles per hour
In formal constructions, as per can mean “according to.”
For example:
As per your instructions, we completed the task.
This is different from as per usual.
In as per usual, the entire expression functions idiomatically to mean “as usual.” Cambridge Dictionary specifically lists as per usual/normal as an idiom.
This is important because you should not assume that every use of per works the same way.
“Per” Does Not Always Mean “According To”
Consider:
The tickets cost $20 per person.
Here, per means “for each.”
Now consider:
As per your request, I sent the document.
Here, as per means “according to.”
Now consider:
As per usual, the office was quiet.
Here, the complete phrase means “as usual.”
The meaning comes from the whole expression, not just from the individual word per.
Common Mistakes With Per Usual and As Per Usual
Many mistakes happen because the expressions sound similar.
Mistake 1: Treating “Per Usual” as Formal
A person may write:
Per usual, the report was submitted on time.
The meaning is understandable, but a more polished version is:
As usual, the report was submitted on time.
Or:
As per usual, the report was submitted on time.
Mistake 2: Using “As Per” Everywhere
Another common mistake is using as per simply because it sounds formal.
For example:
As per usual, we went home.
This is correct.
But:
As per I expected, he arrived late.
This is incorrect.
A better sentence is:
As I expected, he arrived late.
Or:
As expected, he arrived late.
As per cannot simply replace every use of as.
Mistake 3: Writing “Per Usuals”
Some writers incorrectly add an s:
❌ Per usuals, he was late.
The correct forms are:
✅ Per usual, he was late.
✅ As per usual, he was late.
✅ As usual, he was late.
Mistake 4: Confusing “Per Usual” With “Per the Usual”
These constructions are not identical.
As per usual, the manager arrived early.
This means:
The manager arrived early as usual.
But:
Per the usual procedure, the manager reviewed the report.
This means:
According to the normal procedure, the manager reviewed the report.
The second construction uses per in the sense of “according to.”
Similar Grammar Confusions
Small differences often cause mistakes in English. Here are some common examples:
| Confusion | Correct Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| it’s / its | it’s = it is; its = possession | Different functions |
| your / you’re | your = possession; you’re = you are | Different meanings |
| their / there / they’re | their = possession; there = place; they’re = they are | Different functions |
| then / than | then = time; than = comparison | Different meanings |
| loose / lose | loose = not tight; lose = misplace or fail to win | Different words |
| per usual / as per usual | as per usual = established idiom; per usual = informal shortened form | Similar meaning |
| advice / advise | advice = noun; advise = verb | Different word classes |
Why Do These Mistakes Happen?
Fast Typing
When people type quickly, they often remove words or letters.
As per usual may become per usual because the shorter form is faster to type.
Autocorrect
Autocorrect can sometimes change words or phrases unexpectedly.
A writer may not notice the change before sending a message.
Lack of Knowledge
English learners may not know that two similar expressions have different levels of formality.
Learning the difference helps prevent these mistakes.
Per Usual vs As Per Usual in Different Contexts
The best expression depends on where you are using it.
Everyday Conversation
In casual conversation, per usual can sound natural.
Per usual, he forgot his wallet.
You can also say:
As per usual, he forgot his wallet.
Or simply:
As usual, he forgot his wallet.
All three are easy to understand, but the first is the most informal.
Professional Writing
For professional writing, avoid per usual when a more standard option is available.
Instead, use:
As usual, the meeting began at 9:00 a.m.
Or:
As per usual, the meeting began at 9:00 a.m.
For most professional documents, as usual is the cleanest choice.
Creative Writing
Creative writing gives you more freedom.
A character’s personality can influence word choice.
For example:
“Per usual, you forgot the keys,” Mia said with a laugh.
Here, per usual can help create a relaxed, conversational voice.
A narrator might instead use:
As usual, the street was quiet after sunset.
The choice depends on the character and style.
Social Media and Texting
Per usual is perfectly understandable in casual digital communication.
For example:
Per usual, I forgot to charge my phone. 😂
Or:
Per usual, Monday decided to be difficult.
Social media often favors shorter and more conversational expressions.
In this setting, per usual can fit naturally.
Why This Difference Matters
At first, per usual vs as per usual may seem like a very small grammar issue. However, small word choices can affect how your writing sounds.
1. Clarity
Choosing a familiar expression helps readers understand your meaning quickly.
As usual is especially clear because it is short and widely recognized.
2. Professionalism
Formal writing benefits from standard expressions.
Using as usual instead of a highly informal expression can make a report, email, or application sound more polished.
3. Digital Communication
People communicate quickly through texts, emails, chats, and social media.
Shortened expressions are common online, but not every informal expression belongs in every type of writing.
4. Writing Accuracy
Knowing the difference helps you make deliberate choices instead of simply copying expressions you hear.
A useful principle is:
Good writing is not only about being understood; it is also about choosing the right tone.
Special Exception: “Per Usual” in Informal English
The important exception here is that per usual should not automatically be called grammatically wrong.
English contains many expressions that are more common in informal speech than in formal writing.
Per usual is one of those expressions.
If a friend texts:
Per usual, I forgot my headphones.
There is little chance of misunderstanding.
The problem appears when the same wording is used in a formal document where a more standard phrase would be better.
Therefore, the practical rule is:
Use “per usual” casually, but choose “as usual” or “as per usual” when you want more polished English.
This is a matter of register and style, not simply a matter of whether the reader can understand the sentence.
Per Usual vs As Per Usual: Which One Should You Choose?
Here is a simple guide.
Choose “Per Usual” When:
- You are texting a friend.
- You are writing a casual social media post.
- You are having an informal conversation.
- You want a relaxed or conversational tone.
- You are writing dialogue for a casual character.
Example:
Per usual, I left my charger at home.
Choose “As Per Usual” When:
- You want the established idiomatic expression.
- You are writing more carefully.
- You want to avoid the shortened informal form.
- The phrase fits the tone of your sentence.
Example:
As per usual, the store closed at 9 p.m.
Choose “As Usual” When:
- You want the simplest option.
- You are writing professionally.
- You want a concise sentence.
- You want wording that sounds natural in almost any context.
Example:
As usual, the store closed at 9 p.m.
Quick Recap Checklist
Use this checklist whenever you are unsure.
| Question | If Yes → Use |
|---|---|
| Are you writing a casual text? | Per usual is acceptable |
| Are you describing something that normally happens? | As usual / as per usual |
| Are you writing a formal report? | As usual |
| Do you want the established idiom? | As per usual |
| Do you want a short, natural phrase? | As usual |
| Are you writing casual dialogue? | Per usual can work |
| Are you unsure what to choose? | As usual |
Practice Example 1
___, Mark forgot his keys.
Best formal choice:
As usual, Mark forgot his keys.
Informal choice:
Per usual, Mark forgot his keys.
Practice Example 2
The bus was late ___.
Best options:
The bus was late, as usual.
The bus was late, as per usual.
Informal:
The bus was late, per usual.
Practice Example 3
___, the office became quiet after 6 p.m.
Best choice:
As usual, the office became quiet after 6 p.m.
FAQs
1. Is “per usual” grammatically correct?
Per usual is widely used as an informal expression meaning “as usual.” It is understandable and common in casual English, but as usual or as per usual is generally a safer choice for polished writing.
2. Is “as per usual” correct English?
Yes. As per usual is a recognized idiomatic expression meaning “as usual.” Cambridge Dictionary lists as per usual/normal as an idiom with this meaning.
3. Which is better: “per usual” or “as per usual”?
As per usual is the more established expression. However, as usual is often even better because it is shorter and more natural. Per usual is best reserved for informal situations.
4. Can I use “per usual” in a professional email?
You can, but it is usually better to avoid it in professional writing. Choose as usual or as per usual instead.
For example:
As usual, the report was completed on time.
This sounds more polished than:
Per usual, the report was completed on time.
5. Does “per usual” mean “as usual”?
Yes. In informal English, per usual is generally intended to mean “as usual” or “as normally happens.”
For example:
Per usual, Sarah arrived late.
means:
As usual, Sarah arrived late.
6. Is “as usual” better than “as per usual”?
In many situations, yes. As usual is shorter, clear, natural, and appropriate for both everyday and professional writing.
For example:
As usual, the meeting started late.
is usually preferable to:
As per usual, the meeting started late.
Both can express the same idea.
Conclusion
The difference between per usual vs as per usual is mainly about usage, tone, and formality rather than meaning. As per usual is the established idiomatic expression that means “as usual” or “as normally happens.” Per usual is a common informal shortening that carries the same basic meaning.
If you are writing a text, chatting with friends, or creating casual dialogue, per usual can sound natural. If you are writing an email, report, application, or other professional content, as usual is usually the safest and clearest choice. As per usual is also correct and can be used when you prefer that fuller expression.
Remember this simple rule: “Per usual” is casual, “as per usual” is established, and “as usual” is the safest all-purpose choice.
When in doubt, keep it simple: as usual. ✅
Hi, I’m Andrew Bennett, a grammar enthusiast and content writer at Gramcora. I enjoy simplifying complex grammar rules and helping readers improve their English writing skills through clear, practical, and easy-to-follow guides.
