an usual practice vs a usual practice

The correct phrase is 'a usual practice.' The article 'a' is used before words that begin with a consonant sound, while 'an' is used before words that begin with a vowel sound. In this case, 'usual' begins with a consonant sound ('you-zhuh-wull'), so 'a' is the correct choice. The article 'an' is used for other 'u' words such as umbrella and uncle that start with an 'uh' sound.

Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 21, 2025 • 5244 views

This phrase is incorrect. 'An' is used before words that begin with a vowel sound, but 'usual' begins with a consonant sound.

"an usual practice"

The correct phrase is 'a usual practice.' Use 'a' before words that begin with a consonant sound, like 'usual.'

Show examples from the web [+]

It is usual practice in Parliament's temporary committees for ministers to give their points of view.
Social discounts conforming to the usual practice shall be offered.
This is in line with the Commission's usual practice when it receives complaints.
Date set down in the adjustment notice in accordance with the tax authorities' usual practice.
No, it's simply usual practice in the circumstances.
Extra advice will have to be obtained in order to make the measures go further than current usual practice.
It is usual practice to ask for clarifications and further explanations with regard to a text prepared by the services.
We shall therefore as is the usual practice ensure that all languages correspond to the English version.
As far as enlargement with Turkey is concerned, it is the usual practice to have a debate.
According to its usual practice, the Council opts for dialogue as a method of dealing with states of affairs considered to be unacceptable.
social discounts conforming to the usual practice shall be offered.
It is the usual practice in Italy to charge a fee for loading prepaid phone cards.
Recitals 15 and 16 are brought into one single recital as is usual practice in the Commission's proposals and the text made clearer.
The necessary training has been determined on the basis of VCG's usual practice in previous cases.
As they both fall within the definition of the product concerned, one dumping margin has been established in line with usual practice.
As you must of course be aware, this is not our usual practice.
The House will be aware that the composite version of the resolution for debate before this Parliament today was produced this morning in keeping with usual practice.
The Commission, in line with its usual practices, presented a binding and, to a certain extent, reductionist directive.
In that case, the usual practice is that we have politicians available.
Charge-off is as per transaction definition, or alternatively per lender's usual practice.

Alternatives:

a usual practice
a common practice
a typical practice
a regular practice
a standard practice

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"a usual practice"

'A usual practice' is the correct phrase to describe something that is commonly done or followed.

Examples:

Wearing a helmet while riding a bike is a usual practice.
Taking notes during a meeting is a usual practice in our company.
It is a usual practice to shake hands when meeting someone for the first time.
Having a morning coffee is a usual practice for many people.
Following safety protocols is a usual practice in this laboratory.

Alternatives:

a common practice
a typical practice
a regular practice
a standard practice
a customary practice

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an usual practice vs a usual practice

"an usual practice"

"a usual practice"

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