a common experience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common experience" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an event or situation that many people have encountered or shared. Example: "Traveling during the holidays can be a common experience for families across the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is that a common experience for you?

The Guardian - Film

"It's a common experience we all have.

The New York Times

It's a common experience for most students.

Harvard University

What's beautiful about it is that it's a common experience.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Changing one's mind as ideas develop is a common experience.

The Guardian

Shiftwork is a common experience for many workers.

Sleep Medicine Reviews

"This is quite a common experience," Mr. Mulville said.

The New York Times - Arts

This failure reflects a common experience inside organizations.

The New York Times

"This way, every child has a common experience," Mrs. MacLeod said.

The New York Times

Do you think that's a common experience for a Russian émigré in New York?

The New Yorker

It's a common experience in many organisations, where directors prefer micro managing to strategy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a common experience" to highlight shared feelings or situations among a group of people, creating a sense of unity or understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "a common experience" when referring to events that are specific to certain demographics or contexts, as this can exclude or misrepresent the experiences of others. Be mindful of context and specificity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common experience" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It refers to an event or situation that is shared or widely encountered. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

37%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common experience" is a versatile and widely used phrase that effectively communicates shared events or situations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its prevalence across news, scientific, and academic sources indicates its appropriateness for both formal and informal contexts. When using the phrase, consider the specific context to avoid overgeneralization, and be mindful of the potential to foster a sense of connection and understanding among your audience. Given its frequent usage in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, it's a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shared experience

Focuses on the aspect of sharing the experience with others, emphasizing the collective nature of the event.

a widespread occurrence

Highlights the frequency of the event, indicating that it happens often in a particular context.

a frequent event

Emphasizes the regularity of the event, suggesting that it happens quite often.

a typical situation

Indicates that the event is representative of a standard or expected scenario.

a general phenomenon

Suggests that the event is observable on a larger scale and affects a significant portion of a population.

a usual incident

Implies that the event is not out of the ordinary and happens regularly.

a familiar scenario

Focuses on the recognizable aspect of the event, indicating that it is easily identifiable and understood.

a collective reality

Emphasizes that the experience is part of a larger, shared understanding or perception.

a universal truth

Highlights the broad applicability of the experience, suggesting it is true for many people across different contexts.

a common understanding

Emphasizes a shared knowledge or belief about something, often derived from similar experiences.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common experience" to describe a shared event or feeling, for example: "Dealing with jet lag is "a common experience" for frequent travelers."

What are some alternatives to "a common experience"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a shared experience", "a widespread occurrence", or "a typical situation", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a common experience" in formal writing?

Yes, "a common experience" is suitable for both formal and informal writing as it is a clear and widely understood phrase.

What's the difference between "a common experience" and "a personal experience"?

"A personal experience" refers to an event unique to an individual, while "a common experience" indicates an event shared by many.