Common practice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Common practice" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to refer to a widely accepted or standard way of doing something. An example is: "It is common practice to review contracts before signing." Alternative expressions include "standard procedure," "usual practice," and "accepted norm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

(Is this common practice?

The New Yorker

"That's common practice".

The New York Times

This is common practice worldwide.

The Economist

That beefing is common practice.

The New Yorker

But this isn't common practice.

The Guardian - Film

It's a common practice in politics.

The New York Times

Still, it is not a common practice.

The New York Times

This common practice is an economic necessity.

The New York Times

This has become common practice in Syria.

The New York Times

But it's a common practice now.

The New York Times - Magazine

And yet, that's become common practice.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "common practice", ensure the context clearly indicates whose or which group's practices you are referring to. For example, specify "common practice in the industry" or "common medical practice".

Common error

Avoid assuming that what is "common practice" in one area is universally understood. Always provide enough context to ensure your audience understands the specific field or domain to which you are referring.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common practice" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a customary or widely accepted method or procedure. As Ludwig shows, the phrase is generally regarded as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "common practice" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a widely accepted or typical way of doing something. According to Ludwig, it is frequently found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Wiki contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. While there aren't necessarily "errors" in its usage, clarity is key: specify whose practice you're referencing to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "standard procedure" or "usual custom" can be used for variety. With a high expert rating and a score of 90 for source quality, "common practice" is a reliable and effective phrase for describing established norms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Standard procedure

Focuses on the established and official nature of the practice.

Usual custom

Emphasizes the habitual and traditional aspect.

Typical method

Highlights the commonality and representativeness of the approach.

Established norm

Focuses on the societal acceptance and adherence to the practice.

General rule

Implies a broadly applied principle or guideline.

Prevailing trend

Highlights the current and widespread adoption of the practice.

Accepted convention

Emphasizes the agreement and understanding surrounding the practice.

Routine operation

Focuses on the repetitive and predictable nature of the practice.

Widespread habit

Implies that many do something similarly, by custom.

Ordinary course of action

Highlights that one specific behavior is very predictable.

FAQs

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

You can use "common practice" to describe something that is generally done or accepted. For example, "It is "common practice" to review contracts before signing."

What are some alternatives to "common practice"?

Alternatives include "standard procedure", "usual custom", or "typical method", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "common practice" or "standard practice"?

Both "common practice" and "standard practice" are correct, but "standard practice" often implies a more formalized or official procedure than "common practice".

What's the difference between "common practice" and "best practice"?

"Common practice" refers to what is typically done, while "best practice" refers to a technique or methodology that has consistently shown results superior to those achieved with other means, and is used as a benchmark.