a common event

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common event" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an occurrence that happens frequently or is typical in a certain context. Example: "Rain during the summer months is a common event in this region."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a common event.

Independent

Yet MMR vaccination is a common event.

The Economist

"It's not a common event.

The Washington Post

Discontinuation is a common event.

Princeton University

This must be a common event.

The New York Times

Wildfires are a common event in Mediterranean landscapes.

Landscape and Urban Planning

Sinkhole formation in Florida is a common event.

Engineering Geology

Local pilgrimages, or romerías, are a common event in Spain in the spring.

The Guardian - Travel

A public row between a prime minister and foreign secretary is hardly a common event.

The Guardian

The elderly widow was selling and moving to town -- a common event in Iowa.

The New York Times - Travel

perineal suturing is a common event which affects women across a variety of international settings.

Midwifery

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a common event", ensure the context clearly establishes the environment or field where the event is common. For instance, specify "in software development" or "in medical research" to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a common event" without specifying the context. Saying "it's a common event" without further explanation can be vague and uninformative. Always provide the necessary context to make the statement meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common event" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig shows numerous examples where it describes the nature or frequency of an occurrence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

32%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a common event" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes occurrences that are typical or frequent. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and applicability across various domains. It is particularly prevalent in scientific and news contexts, where it serves to inform the reader about the likelihood or frequency of a particular happening. While generally neutral in tone, specifying the context in which the event is common is essential for clarity. Consider alternatives like "a frequent occurrence" or "a typical incident" to add nuance. As Ludwig AI has showed, "a common event" is a widely accepted way to describe commonplace situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a frequent occurrence

Replaces "event" with "occurrence", emphasizing the regularity of the happening.

a typical incident

Substitutes "common" with "typical" and "event" with "incident", highlighting the representative nature of the event.

a regular phenomenon

Uses "regular phenomenon" to denote an event that occurs predictably and often.

a prevalent situation

Replaces "common" with "prevalent" and "event" with "situation", focusing on the widespread nature of the scenario.

a routine matter

Emphasizes the ordinariness and lack of surprise associated with the event.

a widespread happening

Highlights the extensive reach or occurrence of the event.

a usual circumstance

Focuses on the customary or expected nature of the event.

an everyday affair

Suggests that the event is commonplace and part of daily life.

a recurring episode

Highlights that the event happens repeatedly.

a general occurrence

Focuses on the widespread and non-specific nature of the event.

FAQs

What does "a common event" mean?

The phrase "a common event" describes something that happens frequently or is typical within a specific context. It indicates that the occurrence is neither rare nor surprising.

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

You can use "a common event" to describe occurrences in various fields. For example, "Data breaches are "a common event" in the tech industry" or "Post-operative infections are "a common event" in surgery".

What are some alternatives to "a common event"?

Alternatives to "a common event" include phrases like "a frequent occurrence", "a typical incident", or "a regular phenomenon", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a common event" formal or informal?

"A common event" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the surrounding language and the specific field being discussed.