a common answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a response or solution that is frequently given or widely accepted in a particular context. Example: "When asked about the best way to improve productivity, a common answer is to prioritize tasks effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

Powdered activated carbon (PAC) is a common answer to water utilities' taste and odor problems.

And when asked why they do it, "it makes sense" is a common answer.

Most of us had a common answer: The age of the bank run has returned.

I look at it like this: You were essentially asked two questions that shared a common answer.

In this way subsystems collaborate at a twofold level, both for returning a common answer and for tuning to changing operating conditions.

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Powdered activated carbon (PAC) is a common answer to water utilities' taste and odor problems.

Carbon

And when asked why they do it, "it makes sense" is a common answer.

The Guardian

Most of us had a common answer: The age of the bank run has returned.

The New York Times

I look at it like this: You were essentially asked two questions that shared a common answer.

The New York Times - Magazine

In this way subsystems collaborate at a twofold level, both for returning a common answer and for tuning to changing operating conditions.

Journal of Visual Languages & Computing

"I remember when people asked me, 'Do you feel Italian or German?' and I would answer, 'European.' That was not a common answer back then".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

The preview asks, "what makes a family?" before presenting the show's main conceit and an increasingly common answer -- a mother and two dads (plus a grandmother that we could kind of take or leave).

Huffington Post

We found an interesting result when examining the percentage of students moving from a most common to a less common answer.

CBE Life Sciences Education

We found no correlation between course grade and the percentage of students switching from a less common to a most common answer.

CBE Life Sciences Education

For example, LC to MC would be a student initially voting for a less common answer for the first vote and then after discussion, voting for the most common answer (Table 2).

CBE Life Sciences Education

Then I'll say: "That's a pretty common answer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a common answer", ensure the context clearly indicates who is providing the answer and to what question or situation it applies. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a common answer" when the response is only common within a specific group or context. Instead, specify the group or context to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common answer" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a response that is frequently given or widely recognized. As supported by Ludwig, it correctly and effectively communicates this meaning.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a common answer" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote a frequently occurring or widely accepted response. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for diverse contexts. With examples spanning news, science, and academic fields, the phrase exhibits a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. While easily understood, it's important to clearly define the context and source of the answer to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like "a typical response" or "a frequent reply" offer subtle variations in meaning. This phrase is a useful tool for summarizing information and conveying shared perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a typical response

Replaces "answer" with "response", emphasizing the act of responding.

a frequent reply

Substitutes "answer" with "reply", indicating a verbal response that occurs often.

the standard response

Highlights that is the expected response to a specific scenario.

a general consensus

Shifts the focus from a single answer to a shared agreement or opinion.

a standard explanation

Replaces "answer" with "explanation", highlighting the act of making something clear.

a prevailing view

Emphasizes a widely held opinion or belief.

a usual solution

Focuses on a typical or expected solution to a problem.

a shared understanding

Highlights a mutual agreement or comprehension.

a recurring theme

Shifts from a direct answer to a pattern or idea that appears repeatedly.

a familiar refrain

Implies a response or statement that is often repeated and well-known.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common answer" to introduce a response that many people give to a particular question. For example: "When asked about their favorite color, a common answer is blue."

What's a good substitute for "a common answer"?

Alternatives include "a typical response", "a frequent reply", or "a general consensus", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a common answer" in formal writing?

Yes, "a common answer" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing survey results, research findings, or widely held opinions. However, ensure the context is well-defined and the source of the "common answer" is clear.

What's the difference between "a common answer" and "the most common answer"?

"A common answer" implies that the answer is frequently given, but not necessarily the most frequent. "The most common answer" indicates that it is the single answer given more often than any other.