A common practice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A common practice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a behavior or action that is widely accepted or frequently done in a particular context or field. Example: "In many organizations, working from home has become a common practice, especially after the pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's a common practice in politics.

The New York Times

Still, it is not a common practice.

The New York Times

But it's a common practice now.

The New York Times - Magazine

That seems to be a common practice.

The New York Times

But that is not a common practice.

The New York Times

"That's a common practice across the board.

The Guardian - Money

This is actually a common practice nationwide.

The New York Times

It's a common practice here I guess".

The New York Times

This proposal would end a common practice.

The New York Times

In fact, it was a common practice for many anorexics.

The Guardian - Books

This was a common practice across Europe at the time.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "A common practice" when describing something that is widely accepted and followed, but not necessarily formally codified or mandated. It implies widespread acceptance and usage.

Common error

Avoid using "A common practice" without providing sufficient context. Stating that something is a common practice without specifying where or among whom can weaken your argument and leave the reader questioning its validity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "A common practice" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies or describes a particular action or behavior that is widely prevalent. As shown in Ludwig, it's generally used to denote activities that are frequently observed or followed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "A common practice" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to describe an action or behavior that is prevalent in a particular context. According to Ludwig, the phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Science, indicating its broad applicability across various domains. While Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is suitable for formal and informal settings, ensuring contextual clarity is crucial to avoid overgeneralization. When writing, consider related phrases like "a widespread habit" or "a typical procedure" for nuanced expression. Overall, "A common practice" is a reliable phrase for denoting widespread actions, provided it is used with adequate context and specificity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A widespread habit

Replaces 'practice' with 'habit', emphasizing the habitual nature of the action.

A typical procedure

Substitutes 'practice' with 'procedure', suggesting a more formal or standardized action.

A standard method

Replaces 'practice' with 'method', highlighting the systematic nature of the action.

A general custom

Uses 'custom' instead of 'practice', implying a more traditional or cultural aspect.

A prevailing trend

Replaces the term with trend suggesting that is currently in vogue.

A routine activity

Uses 'routine activity' to emphasize the habitual and expected nature of the practice.

A frequent occurrence

Focuses on the frequency of the action rather than the action itself.

A normal course of action

Emphasizes the expected and unremarkable nature of the action.

A usual way of doing things

A more descriptive alternative that replaces 'practice' with a broader explanation.

A conventional approach

Highlights the adherence to established norms and conventions.

FAQs

How can I use "A common practice" in a sentence?

You can use "A common practice" to describe something that is frequently done or widely accepted. For example, "In the medical field, using sterile equipment is "a common practice".".

What are some alternatives to saying "A common practice"?

Alternatives include "a widespread habit", "a typical procedure", or "a standard method", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "A common practice" or should I use another phrase?

"A common practice" is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Whether it's the best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality desired. Alternatives like "a usual way of doing things" might be more appropriate in informal settings.

What's the difference between "A common practice" and "A standard procedure"?

"A common practice" implies something that is widely done, while "a standard procedure" suggests a formalized and documented process. The former is more general and less structured than the latter.