I hear and read it many times but it sounds redundant.
Is it incorrect or just another acceptable colloquial expression?
Is it incorrect or just another acceptable colloquial expression?
as per usual
It's an idiomatic expression that I don't think you can say is technically incorrect, but to me it sounds stuffy, bureaucratic and faintly pretentious. It's modeled on expressions like "as per your request". "As usual" would be simpler and preferable.
It is used informally, so I don't think it sounds bureaucratic. It is pretty redundant, since "and" and "per" is a little too much in the same expression, but it is often used humorously.
Besides, I think there is a slight difference between "as usual" and "as per usual". "As usual" is neutral (meaning that something happens usually or always), whereas "as per usual" might imply that you are annoyed ("oh no, not again", "I know it's always happening to me" or "it's typical of him" etc.). At least for me. I'm not quite sure about that, it might be just my idiolect.
Besides, I think there is a slight difference between "as usual" and "as per usual". "As usual" is neutral (meaning that something happens usually or always), whereas "as per usual" might imply that you are annoyed ("oh no, not again", "I know it's always happening to me" or "it's typical of him" etc.). At least for me. I'm not quite sure about that, it might be just my idiolect.
I agree with Liz. "as per usual" has a negative connotation, in my opinion.