How to use "It Is Normally" or "It Normally Is" in a Sentence

It Is Normally: Use this construction when you want a straightforward expression of regularity without particular emphasis on "normally." It typically flows naturally in a sentence.
It Normally Is: Opt for this construction when you want to place stronger emphasis on "normally." It can help to highlight the regular nature of an action or state more assertively.

After the COVID pandemic, the term "new normal" has been on everyone's lips.

New Normal: A previously unfamiliar situation that has become standard, usual, or expected.

With COVID, WFH and virtual classes became the new normal, and a lot of other new changes became more standardized.

During Joe Biden's presidential election, the word "normal" was used in campaign. In particular, the expression "return to normalcy" came to be linked with Joe Biden's 2020 presidential campaign, particularly in reference to his pledges to overcome the division of the Trump era and his campaign's emphasis on addressing the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.

In this blogpost, we will ponder on the word normal, and detail on these two phrases, It Is Normally" vs. "It Normally Is", which are used interchangeably with one another.

What is the Difference: "It Is Normally" vs. "It Normally Is"

The primary difference between "it is normally" and "it normally is" lies in the placement of the adverb "normally," and the part of the sentences of which the emphasis is placed on.

When to Use: "It Is Normally" vs. "It Normally Is"

The choice between these phrases depends on the emphasis and the flow of the sentence.

It Is Normally

This construction places "normally" after the verb "is." It emphasizes that the action or state described is typically or regularly the case.

It is normally raining in April, but this year, we've had unusually dry weather.

In this sentence, "It is normally" is used to establish the typical or expected condition or situation for the month of April, which is rainy weather. The phrase "It is normally" sets the baseline or standard expectation. However, it also emphasizes the deviation from this usual condition by noting that "this year" has brought unusual, dry weather, indicating that the current situation is different from what is typically experienced.

More example sentences

It is normally quiet in this neighborhood during the evenings.
It is normally the manager's responsibility to oversee the project.
It is normally sunny during this time of year in our region.
It is normally a tradition to celebrate birthdays with a cake and candles.
It is normally a good idea to double-check your work for errors.
It is normally not this crowded at the gym during the early morning hours.
It is normally advisable to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.
It is normally considered polite to say "please" and "thank you."
It is normally expected to follow safety procedures in the laboratory.
It is normally the custom to exchange gifts during the holiday season.

Examples from the web

It is normally firmer and baked out. - The Guardian - Sport

It is normally clear whether or not they have succeeded. - The Guardian

It is normally thus at the authority's public sessions. - The New York Times

It Normally Is

In contrast, "it normally is" positions "normally" before the verb "is." It also conveys regularity but can emphasize the adverb more strongly.

It normally is a bustling city, but during the holidays, it becomes quieter as people go on vacation.

In this sentence, "It normally is" is used to describe the typical or usual state of the city, which is being bustling or busy. The phrase emphasizes the change in the city's atmosphere during the holiday season when it becomes quieter as many people leave for vacation. "It normally is" sets up the expectation for what is typical and allows for a comparison to the current, exceptional condition during the holidays.

More example sentences

It normally is quite busy at the office on Monday mornings.
It normally is difficult to find parking in the city center.
It normally is peaceful in the countryside, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
It normally is sunny during the summer months in this region.
It normally is quiet in the library to allow for studying.
It normally is a lively atmosphere at the local market on weekends.
It normally is a challenge to get tickets for this popular concert.
It normally is polite to wait your turn in line.
It normally is a bit cooler in the evenings at higher elevations.
It normally is important to check the weather forecast before planning outdoor activities.

More examples from the web

Although flu season will not peak until the weather gets cold, in New York, which was the nation's hardest-hit city, officials say that flu activity is no higher than it normally is at this time of year and that school attendance is normal. - The New York Times

His fastball wasn't what it normally is. - The New York Times - Sports

"So my butt's way softer than it normally is". - The New York Times - Sports

I looked at the sky and, like it normally is, it was gray and dark". - The New York Times - Sports

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Tricks to Remember the Difference:
To remember the distinction, think of "it is normally" as a more standard and common structure. If you wish to emphasize the regularity, place "normally" before the verb, as in "it normally is."

Synonyms:

Typically: A synonym often used interchangeably with both constructions to express regularity.
- Typically, I start my day with a cup of coffee and some light reading.
Usually: Another synonym conveying the idea of something being customary or regular.
- Usually, I go for a run in the morning to kickstart my day.

Antonyms

The antonyms for "It normally is" and "It is normally" could be phrases that describe situations or conditions that are atypical or unusual. Here are examples for each:

Antonym for "It normally is" is "It unusually isn't"

It unusually isn't crowded at the mall during a holiday sale.

Antonym for "It is normally" is "It is rarely"

It is rarely this hot in the middle of winter.

Common Idioms:

Business as Usual: An idiom describing the typical or regular course of events or operations.
Par for the Course: Used to indicate that something is normal or expected given the circumstances.

Summary

In summary, "it is normally" and "it normally is" both convey regularity but differ in their emphasis and flow. Choose "it is normally" for a straightforward expression of regularity, and opt for "it normally is" when you want to place a stronger emphasis on the adverb "normally." Understanding this difference will help you express the regular nature of actions or states effectively in your writing and speech.

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