a common desk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common desk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a desk that is shared or frequently used by multiple people, often in a communal or office setting. Example: "In our co-working space, we have a common desk where members can collaborate and work together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

At the close, as we know from the notes that Flaubert left behind, the two clerks would have been back at a common desk, once again copying out whatever was put in front of them.

The New York Times - Books

At many companies, employees share a common desk because they aren't all in the office at the same time.

Forbes

(Physician) 3P4:15:22 One site created team rooms where all team members worked in a common desk area, along with common lunch rooms and meeting spaces.

BMC Family Practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Under the glow of fluorescent lights, 10 million of us clockwatch in places that, while being different in some ways, are linked by a common thread: desks, computers, tea, mediocre art in the foyer.

Independent

A small forest of medicine bottles is a common feature of desk topography, next to the half-empty bottle of water and the comedy mousemat that came free with a delivery of ring binders.

The Guardian - Money

At the local precinct, Bradley was given a Desk Appearance Ticket, a common first step in the legal process for minor offenses in New York City.

The New Yorker

Just six months after the publication of Common Sense, Thomas Jefferson sat at his desk in a Philadelphia boarding house drafting what he later called a "common sense" treatise.

Huffington Post

CableDrop offers a simple solution to a common home-office problem: the tangle of computer wires that accumulates around a desk.

The New York Times

From Our Apnea Desk HERSHEY, PENNSYLVANIA — Here's good news and bad news about obstructive sleep apnea, a common condition in which snoring men temporarily stop breathing.

Forbes

Silver Bear Lodge also will offer a common-area outdoor hot tub as well as a on-site store and on-site front desk service.

Bplans

Silver Bear Lodge also has a common-area outdoor hot tub as well as an on-site store and on-site front desk service.

Bplans

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, "a common desk" can effectively describe a shared study space in a library or research facility.

Common error

Ensure that the context clearly indicates that the desk is shared, as "a desk" alone implies individual use. If necessary, specify the users or the purpose of the shared arrangement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common desk" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "common" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "desk". Ludwig AI's analysis and the examples show it describing a shared or frequently used workspace.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common desk" refers to a desk shared by multiple individuals, often to facilitate collaboration or flexible working arrangements. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically sound and relatively common, finding usage across different domains from news and media to science and wikis. While straightforward, ensuring context avoids ambiguity is key. Consider alternatives such as "shared workspace" or "communal table" depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared workspace

Emphasizes the shared nature of the space rather than just the desk.

team desk

Highlights that the desk is specifically used by a team.

communal table

Implies a larger surface shared by several people, possibly for different purposes than a desk.

collaborative workstation

Highlights the aspect of teamwork and joint effort.

co-working desk

Points to a desk within a co-working environment.

hot desking area

Refers to a specific office arrangement where desks are used by different people at different times.

flexible desk

Emphasizes the adaptable nature of the desk arrangement.

group study area

Specifies a space for shared academic work.

shared office space

Broadens the context to the entire office instead of just the desk.

public computer terminal

Indicates a desk with a computer available for public use.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The employees share "a common desk" to encourage collaboration" or "Our library provides "a common desk" for group projects."

What are some alternatives to "a common desk"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "shared workspace", "communal table", or "hot desking area".

Is it correct to say "a shared desk" instead of "a common desk"?

Yes, "a shared desk" is a perfectly acceptable alternative and often carries the same meaning as "a common desk". It emphasizes the sharing aspect more directly.

What is the difference between "a common desk" and "a private desk"?

"A common desk" is used by multiple people, often in a shared or rotating arrangement, while "a private desk" is assigned to and used by one individual.