a common affair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common affair" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or situation that is typical or frequently occurring. Example: "In our town, the annual festival is a common affair that brings the community together every summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Related: Extramarital sex: it's a common affair | Kate Figes A man or woman who has an extramarital fling is also very possibly doing their best to manage their feelings by acting out and having an affair.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sharing a flat or house with a stranger is an increasingly common affair; it is many medium-income earners only option in towns and cities were rents are spiralling upwards.

The Guardian

With referendums a more common affair in the US, most of his firm's experience is on the other side of the Atlantic, but it has been involved in international campaigns.

The Guardian

TRAVELING with pets is an increasingly common affair, as many pet owners have decided that Fido deserves a summer vacation as much as they do, and shouldn't be left behind in a kennel while they are off lounging on a beach or taking in the mountain air.

The New York Times - Travel

They are not religious (and therefore do not pronounce the three vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience), have little or no common life in a common residence, have no superior but rather a manager of their few common affairs, and intend to bear Christian witness in the world in any type of secular employment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

KARL MARX dismissed "the executive of the modern state" as nothing more than a "committee for managing the common affairs of the whole bourgeoisie".

The Economist

There would be no class system, no private property, no individual rights (which Marx thought boil down to protecting the right of the owners of property to hang on to it), and no state (which he called "a committee for managing the common affairs of the whole bourgeoisie").

The New Yorker

They will always protect the interests of the state, which, as Marx said, is "nothing but a committee for managing the common affairs of the whole bourgeoisie".

Huffington Post

Clear as mud Fixing common affairs ReprintsBig global carmakers reckon this is romantic tosh.

The Economist

Clear as mud Fixing common affairs ReprintsThe proposal was surprisingly well received.

The Economist

Clear as mud Fixing common affairs ReprintsTune in to the early stages of television's "third wave".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a common affair" to denote events or situations that are not exceptional or surprising. It's effective for emphasizing the routine or expected nature of something.

Common error

Avoid using "a common affair" when you intend to convey the significance or uniqueness of an event. The phrase inherently suggests something ordinary, so using it in the wrong context can diminish the impact of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common affair" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object within a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct. It describes something that is ordinary or frequently encountered, fitting into everyday language.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common affair" is a noun phrase used to describe events or situations that are typical or not unusual. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It is most frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral register. While interchangeable with phrases like "a frequent occurrence" or "a typical event", it's important to consider the subtle connotations and choose the phrase that best fits the intended message. Ensure not to use it when emphasizing significance or uniqueness, as it implies ordinariness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a frequent occurrence

Replaces 'affair' with 'occurrence' indicating a more general event.

a typical event

Substitutes 'common' with 'typical', highlighting the usual nature of the event.

a usual incident

Similar to a typical event, but uses 'incident' to suggest a specific occurrence.

a regular happening

Uses 'happening' instead of 'affair', suggesting an event that occurs consistently.

an everyday matter

Highlights the mundane and ordinary aspect of something.

a commonplace situation

Replaces 'affair' with 'situation', focusing on a state of affairs that is ordinary.

a prevailing condition

Focuses on the existing state or circumstance that is widespread.

a widespread practice

Shifts the focus to a practice that is prevalent or extensive.

a familiar sight

Changes the context to something visually recognizable and often seen.

a standard procedure

Indicates an established and accepted way of doing something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common affair" to describe something that happens frequently or is not unusual. For instance, "In this town, the annual parade is "a common affair"".

What are some alternatives to "a common affair"?

Alternatives include "a frequent occurrence", "a typical event", or "a regular happening", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a common affair" formal or informal?

"A common affair" is generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic writing.

Can "a common affair" be used to describe something negative?

Yes, "a common affair" can be used to describe negative situations that occur frequently. For example, "Unfortunately, data breaches are becoming "a common affair" for many businesses".