a common expression

USAGE SUMMARY

"a common expression" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a phrase or saying that many people use in everyday life, such as, "A penny saved is a penny earned" or "A picture is worth a thousand words".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(This is quite a common expression of prejudice against lower-caste Christians in Pakistan).

The Guardian

"No money, no mission" is a common expression in the field.

The New York Times

To 'hand someone his head' is a common expression, not normally associated with actual violence.

The New York Times - Arts

(This is quite a common expression of prejudice against lower-caste Christians in Pakistan). They argued.

The Guardian

The two blue light bulbs also bring to mind a common expression for male sexual frustration.

The New York Times - Arts

Even that phrase was a common expression going back centuries.

The New York Times

It had been a common expression among older people "who had use for the old sense of decorum," she said.

The New York Times

Recalling Mandela's reaction when he found out, Chuene states: "Mr Mandela was shocked and used a common expression, 'Good Lord'.

The Guardian

Children greeted the blackout last Thursday with cries of "Se fue la luz" ("The lights went out"), a common expression back home.

The New York Times

Many of these people say that Mr. Chalabi's father's generation was an honorable group -- "a fine family," is a common expression about Mr. Chalabi's father, Abdel Hadi Chalabi.

The New York Times

While television gives a common expression to people's anxieties, the Internet has created a powerful platform for individuals to cut loose.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a common expression" when you want to indicate that a saying or phrase is widely known and used by many people. It adds a sense of shared understanding or familiarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a common expression" to describe jargon or technical terms specific to a niche field. Ensure the phrase you're referring to is genuinely widespread, not just within a limited group.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common expression" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to introduce or reference a saying or phrase that is widely known and used. Ludwig confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common expression" is a frequently used phrase to denote sayings or phrases that are widely known. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread application across diverse contexts. Its primary function is to introduce or reference familiar phrases, fostering a shared understanding with the audience. While generally neutral in register, it is most frequently found in news, science and encyclopedic sources. Alternative phrases include "a widely used phrase" or "a popular idiom". Remember to use it when you want to indicate something is widely known, but avoid using it to refer to jargon only known by a niche group.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a widely used phrase

Focuses on the broad usage of the phrase.

a frequently heard saying

Highlights the auditory experience of hearing the saying often.

a popular idiom

Replaces 'expression' with 'idiom', emphasizing the figurative nature of the phrase.

a prevalent term

Substitutes 'expression' with 'term', focusing on its role as a vocabulary element.

a well-known locution

Uses a more formal synonym 'locution' for 'expression'.

a familiar phraseology

Emphasizes the style or manner of expression.

a standard parlance

Focuses on the phrase's acceptance and use within a particular group.

a conventional utterance

Highlights the customary nature of the expression.

an established turn of phrase

Emphasizes the phrase's long-standing use and acceptance.

a routine remark

Focuses on the habitual use of the expression as a comment or statement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common expression" to introduce a well-known saying or phrase, such as: "As they say, 'actions speak louder than words' is "a common expression" that emphasizes the importance of behavior over words."

What are some alternatives to "a common expression"?

Alternatives include "a widely used phrase", "a frequently heard saying", or "a popular idiom". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a common expression" is generally acceptable in formal writing when referring to widely recognized phrases. However, ensure the specific phrase you are referencing is appropriate for the formal context.

What makes a phrase qualify as "a common expression"?

A phrase qualifies as "a common expression" when it is widely known, frequently used, and easily understood by a large segment of the population. Its usage transcends specific contexts and becomes part of everyday language.