For example
They are characterized by the amount of automation or the flexibility they provide. Usually, the more automation a method provides the less flexible it becomes.
It's absolutely fine. That is to say, it's not overly-formal or informal - it's quite neutral in that sense. Fine for use in everyday speech, and fine to publish in a written academic document (for example). You could also consider the following alternatives (not an exhaustive list):
Typically
Often
As a rule
More often than not