a common appellation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common appellation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a widely accepted name or title for something or someone. Example: "In many cultures, 'Mother' is a common appellation for a woman who has children."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Since its inception in the early 1980s, "postfeminism" has become a common appellation for the attitudes and behaviors of young women in the contemporary United States.

Johns Hopkins University

Tyler may have told a version with a vixen (she-fox) as intruder, and Southey later confused vixen with a common appellation for a crafty old woman.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The most common appellation among these new wines is Coteaux de Languedoc.

The New York Times - Food

In talking they forget the common Appellation of Things, and the Names of Persons, even of those who are their nearest Friends and Relations.

The New Yorker

Envy and impotent desires are their prevailing passions … they forget the common appellation of things, and the names of persons, even of those who are their nearest friends and relations.

The Guardian - Books

The Greek form Romaioi remained attached to the Greek-speaking Christian population of the Eastern Roman Empire, and is still used by Greeks in addition to their common appellation.

Wikipedia

Some parents regret choosing too-common appellations that fail to set their kids apart.

Huffington Post

Todd speculates that Shelley arranged for Imlay to be declared "dead" (an appellation more common for the well-to-do) and removed any identifying items, such as her name on the note.

Wikipedia

The subject was zinfandel, and our goal was not merely to focus on a year or an appellation.

The New York Times - Food

45 Thus called from the Greek "stoichades," "in a row," — a fairly suitable appellation.

University of Chicago

What a wonderful appellation!

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a common appellation" when you want to indicate that a name or term is widely accepted and used for a particular thing or concept. It adds a slightly formal tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a common appellation" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler terms like "name" or "term" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common appellation" functions as a noun phrase, serving to identify a name or title that is widely used and recognized. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it highlights the conventional or accepted nature of a particular term.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common appellation" is a noun phrase used to describe a widely recognized name or title. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it's grammatically correct and most frequently found in news and media contexts. While not extremely common, its usage adds a touch of formality and emphasizes the conventional nature of the term. If you're aiming for a less formal tone, consider alternatives like "a widely used term" or "a frequently used name".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a widely used term

Replaces "appellation" with the more common "term" and "common" with "widely used", simplifying the language.

a usual term

Uses "term" instead of "appellation" and "usual" instead of "common", implying ordinariness.

a frequently used name

Substitutes "appellation" with "name" and "common" with "frequently used", offering a slightly less formal tone.

a prevalent name

Replaces "appellation" with "name" and "common" with "prevalent", highlighting how widespread the name is.

a familiar name

Focuses on the familiarity of the name rather than its broad usage.

a general designation

Uses "designation" instead of "appellation" and "general" instead of "common", focusing on the act of naming or identifying.

a conventional designation

Stresses the adherence to convention in the designation.

a standard title

Replaces "appellation" with "title" and "common" with "standard", emphasizing the official or accepted nature of the name.

a recognized title

Emphasizes the recognition of the title instead of the frequency.

a typical label

Substitutes "appellation" with "label" and "common" with "typical", suggesting a characteristic or representative name.

FAQs

What does "a common appellation" mean?

The phrase "a common appellation" refers to a name or title that is widely used and recognized for a particular thing or person.

How to use "a common appellation" in a sentence?

You can use "a common appellation" when referring to a name that is generally accepted. For example: "'Mother' is "a common appellation" for a female parent in many cultures."

What are some synonyms for "a common appellation"?

Alternatives include "a widely used term", "a frequently used name", or "a general designation", depending on the specific context.

Is "a common appellation" formal or informal?

"A common appellation" leans towards a more formal register. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like "a common name" might be more appropriate.