a common design

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common design" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a design that is widely accepted or frequently used in a particular context or field. Example: "The architects decided to adopt a common design for the new housing development to ensure consistency and appeal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a common design: vertical page layout with three columns.

The Washington Post

McCormick's device, which he called the ADE 651, was itself a variation of a common design.

The Guardian

The remainder of the Laobian and all of the Xinbian typically shared a common design.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But she, Dr Edwards, Dr Baker and, indeed, the other two winners have a common design.

The Economist

It was "quite a common design," Ren said to the audience before the final round.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A common design involves using compressed air to accelerate a lump of potato out of a tube.

MIT Technology Review

By the 1930's all the stores had turned over but retained a common design, seen in a 1938 photograph.

The New York Times

"She had a lifestyle that could be unusual, but we ought to be celebrating diversity and we shouldn't make everyone fit a common design.

The Guardian

The shelters have all been built, with slight variations, to a common design which will enable them to become part of a new underground railway after the war.

The Guardian - Books

A common design myth in dementia care, maintains Zeisel, is that if everything is sedate and bland, residents will be soothed.

The Guardian - Opinion

One of the big challenges we face as we move into a technological environment founded on integrated systems is to create a common design architecture for our products.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a common design", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes the design common – is it prevalence, standardization, or something else?

Common error

Avoid using "a common design" without providing context, this may cause confusion. For better readability, describe the specific features that make the design common or typical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common design" typically functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object or complement in a sentence. It describes a design that is widely known, used, or accepted within a specific context. As shown by Ludwig, this can relate to technical specifications, architectural layouts, or even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common design" is a widely used phrase that describes a design that is prevalent, standard, or typical. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts including news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clarifies what makes the design "common". Alternatives include "a typical design" or "a standard design". However, for clarity, it is best to elaborate on the specific characteristics that define the design's commonality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A typical design

Replaces "common" with "typical", suggesting a design that is representative or standard.

A standard design

Substitutes "common" with "standard", emphasizing conformity to established norms.

A prevalent design

Replaces "common" with "prevalent", highlighting the widespread existence of the design.

A widespread design

Similar to "prevalent", but emphasizes the broad distribution of the design.

A conventional design

Uses "conventional" instead of "common", indicating adherence to traditional practices.

A familiar design

Suggests the design is well-known or easily recognized.

A generic design

Implies the design is not unique or specialized.

A usual design

Replaces "common" with "usual", suggesting ordinariness.

A recurring design

Highlights the repeated appearance or usage of the design.

A typical pattern

Shifts the focus from design to pattern but retains the sense of ordinariness.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common design" to describe a design that is frequently used or widely accepted. For example, "The building's structure features "a common design" for earthquake resistance".

What's a good alternative to "a common design"?

Alternatives include "a standard design", "a typical design", or "a prevalent design", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "common design" or "a common design"?

Using the article "a" before "common design" is generally preferred when referring to a single instance or example of a common design. Without "a", "common design" can function as a more general term or attribute.

What does it mean when something is described as "a common design"?

It signifies that the design is not unique or innovative, but rather something that is frequently seen, widely adopted, or considered standard practice within a particular field or industry.