a common drawback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common drawback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a frequent disadvantage or limitation associated with a particular subject or situation. Example: "One common drawback of working from home is the potential for increased distractions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

From an angle, however, pictures wash out or flip to negative colors, a common drawback of passive screens.

The New York Times - Tech

A common drawback of classical SMC is the high frequency chattering in control signal which is minimized by using super twisting SMC approach.

Biomedical Signal Processing and Control

This eventually removes the necessity of setting a fixed dimension a priori, which is a common drawback for the family of swarm optimizers.

Neural Networks

A common drawback of these experiments, therefore, is the relatively large size of even the smallest, commercially available, high-density micro-connectors for the headset.

Journal of Neuroscience Methods

This paper reports on a novel piezoresistive high-g accelerometer design, that partially overcomes a common drawback of shock sensor concepts, namely that their bandwidth, i.e. natural frequency, cannot be increased without sacrificing sensitivity.

Sensors and Actuators A: Physical

An energy intensive CO2 capture step is a common drawback of most CO2 valorization methods that aim to mitigate CO2 from major CO2 emission sources (such as industrial flue gases).

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Basically, if there are uncertainties in parameterization, which is a very common drawback from fabrication dispersion of components for devices constructed for applications, a robust regulator or controller, in general, has to be able to stabilise all the particular elements of the whole series within some error margin, not just the theoretically nominal one.

Advances in Difference Equations

Nevertheless, a significant and common drawback, whatever the bonded materials are, is the premature debonding of the material used in the bonding strengthening technique.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

This reaction is often performed with the use of metal catalysts, however, their common drawback is a fast deactivation of the metal caused by accumulation of carbonaceous deposit on the catalyst surface.

Catalysis Today

The most common drawback, identified by a majority of respondents, was the amount of time involved in taking on a committed leadership role within the program.

BMC Medical Education

The second most common drawback was physiological discomfort (like feeling a little sick or dilated pupils).

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a common drawback", clearly identify the subject to which the drawback applies to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming the drawback applies universally. Qualify the statement to specify the context or situation where the drawback is prevalent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common drawback" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a disadvantage that is widely experienced or recognized. As Ludwig suggests, it's used to highlight negative aspects associated with a particular subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a common drawback" is a useful way to introduce a widely recognized disadvantage or limitation. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in both academic and general writing. When using "a common drawback", remember to clearly specify the subject to which it applies. Some alternatives include "a typical disadvantage" or "a frequent limitation". This phrase is particularly prevalent in scientific contexts but also appears in news and business writing. As such, "a common drawback" is appropriate for formal and informal settings, offering a straightforward way to discuss known issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a typical disadvantage

Focuses on the typicality of the disadvantage, similar to 'common'.

a frequent limitation

Emphasizes the frequency of the limitation, akin to 'common'.

a usual downside

Highlights the usual negative aspect, paralleling 'drawback'.

a general disadvantage

Indicates the broad applicability of the disadvantage.

a shared limitation

Highlights that the limitation is experienced by multiple parties.

a recurring problem

Focuses on the problem aspect and its repeated occurrence.

a prevalent issue

Stresses the widespread nature of the issue.

a familiar weakness

Emphasizes the known and recognized nature of the weakness.

a known deficiency

Highlights the recognized lack or inadequacy.

an inherent limitation

Focuses on the intrinsic nature of the limitation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common drawback" to point out a typical disadvantage of something. For example, "A common drawback of using renewable energy is its intermittent nature."

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

Alternatives include "a typical disadvantage", "a frequent limitation", or "a usual downside", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a common problem" or "a common drawback"?

Both phrases are correct, but "a common drawback" specifically implies a disadvantage or negative aspect, while "a common problem" is more general. Use "a common drawback" when referring to a specific negative consequence.

What makes something "a common drawback" versus just a drawback?

The word "common" emphasizes that the drawback is frequently encountered or widely recognized, making it a typical or expected issue.