a common item

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common item" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is frequently encountered or widely available. Example: "In our survey, we found that a common item among respondents was a reusable water bottle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

He said even though milk crates were a common item, an artwork of one could be considered unique.

The Guardian - Arts

The counters are a common item in the Islamic shops on Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Brooklyn, where they sell for $5 to $8.

The New York Times

Sisqo's racy video aside, the thong is going from a flag of sexual provocation to a common item in the lingerie drawer of even modest women.

The New York Times - Style

"[This] is a common item number that is used as part of that procedure [which] will no longer be available," he said.

The Guardian

The top issues Alphabet attempted to tackle with that money were copyright, patent and trademark issues (a common item for all the tech companies on the list), labor, antitrust and workplace issues, consumer product safety, science and technology – and homeland security.

The Guardian - Tech

The firm is said to buy more of these sorts of cell than all the world's computer-makers combined.Tesla argues that purchasing a common item in volume gives it a big advantage over other carmakers that have opted to commission custom-designed battery cells.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Partner in Davies Collison Cave intellectual property lawyers, Chris Jordan, said it was true that a milk crate was a fairly common item.

The Guardian - Arts

Gabriel noted on Sunday that in 14 rounds of talks on the trans-Atlantic pact, the two sides have not agreed on a single common item out of 27 chapters being discussed.

The Guardian - Business

"Plan B isn't a very common item sold here -- maybe one pack every three months.

Huffington Post

A less common item is the Starman, which often appears when Mario hits certain concealed or otherwise invisible blocks.

Wikipedia

For the purposes of my meat-defying efforts, I defined tapas broadly to include montaditos (mounted on bread), Basque pintxos (skewered with a toothpick) and platillos, another common item on Barcelona menus, which literally mean "small plates".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a common item", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the item common, whether it's widespread availability, frequent use, or general knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "a common item" when describing something that is only common within a specific niche or group. Be mindful of your audience and their familiarity with the item.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common item" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object within a sentence. It identifies something widely available, used, or recognized. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is considered correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

33%

Wiki

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common item" is a noun phrase used to denote something widely available or frequently encountered. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts. While predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific publications, its neutral register makes it suitable for various forms of communication. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: explicitly state what renders the item 'common' to prevent ambiguity. By avoiding overuse and ensuring contextual relevance, writers can effectively leverage "a common item" to enhance their prose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a typical object

Focuses on the representativeness of the object within a category.

a standard article

Highlights that the item conforms to an established norm or specification.

a frequent commodity

Emphasizes the item's widespread availability and trade.

a usual element

Suggests the item is a customary or expected part of something.

a commonplace object

Underscores the item's ordinariness and lack of uniqueness.

a regular feature

Indicates the item's consistent presence or occurrence.

a familiar entity

Highlights the item's recognizability and ease of identification.

a prevalent thing

Stresses the item's widespread existence or popularity.

a general phenomenon

Broadens the scope to include widespread occurrences or events.

an everyday occurrence

Focuses on the item's daily or routine nature.

FAQs

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

Use "a common item" to refer to something widely available or frequently encountered. For example, "In most households, a smartphone is "a common item"."

What are some alternatives to using "a common item"?

You can use alternatives like "a typical object", "a standard article", or "a frequent commodity" depending on the specific context.

Is it always clear what makes an item "a common item"?

No, sometimes the context needs to clarify why the item is considered common. Is it due to its widespread availability, frequent use, or general knowledge? Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

What's the difference between "a common item" and "an everyday item"?

While similar, "a common item" emphasizes widespread presence, while "an everyday item" highlights routine use. A car is "a common item", but a toothbrush is an everyday item.