a common joke

USAGE SUMMARY

"a common joke" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a joke that is well-known or frequently told. Example: "The comedian's routine was filled with a mix of original material and a few common jokes that had the audience in stitches."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Men may see relatively quick marches through the lavatories as a common joke.

The New York Times - Sports

Or is this a common joke among people in the Caribbean?

The New York Times

A common joke like, "Why do Triumph TR7's have fog lights?

The New York Times - Travel

A common joke these days is that the GCC should be renamed the "Gulf Counter-Revolutionary Club".

The Economist

There is a common joke that the average Serbian makes $100 a month, but spends $200 a month on clothes.

The New York Times - Travel

During Mobutu's tenure, a common joke imagined a constitutional provision — Article 15 — that gave officials the right to solicit bribes and to steal.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

In India, people have a pretty common joke about made-in-China phones: "No guarantee, no warranty".

TechCrunch

(Much later, the term was renewed by Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who called his sex parties Bunga Bunga parties, playing on a common racist joke; the familiar exoticist combination of racism and sex keeps on ticking).

The New Yorker

A common Passover joke: What do you call someone who derives pleasure from the bread of affliction?

Huffington Post

The party begins promptly at sundown, so the common joke among revelers scrambling to leave their nine-to-five is to call it "Rush-a Home-a" (insert laugh track).

Huffington Post

"He didn't run that" is perhaps the most common joke.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a common joke", ensure the context makes it clear what the joke is or alludes to, otherwise consider including more detail for clarity.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "a common joke" in your writing without providing specific examples or context. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and uninformative. Instead, vary your language or elaborate on the specific jokes to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common joke" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific instance of humor that is generally recognized or shared within a community. Ludwig's examples confirm this usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Reference

2%

Science

2%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common joke" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that refers to a joke widely known and shared within a community. Ludwig AI affirms its validity, and it is most often found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear and that the joke is actually recognizable to your audience. Consider alternatives like "a well-known jest" or "a familiar wisecrack" for subtle variations in meaning. Be mindful of overuse and always provide adequate context to keep your writing engaging and informative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a well-known jest

Emphasizes the popularity and familiarity of the joke.

a frequent gag

Highlights the repetition and common occurrence of the joke.

a familiar wisecrack

Implies a clever and witty remark that's commonly heard.

a prevailing humorous saying

Focuses on the widespread use and comedic nature of the saying.

a typical funny story

Suggests the joke is representative of a larger category of funny stories.

a popular comedic routine

Highlights the performance aspect of the joke, implying a set delivery.

a standard humorous remark

Conveys the joke's conventional and predictable nature.

a widespread funny anecdote

Focuses on the joke being a short, amusing story that is widely circulated.

a recurring humorous quip

Indicates that the joke is a short, witty remark that is often repeated.

a prevailing jest

Indicates that the joke is very known and prevailing.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common joke" to refer to a joke that is well-known or frequently told, such as "A common joke among programmers is that code only works when you're not looking at it".

What are some alternatives to "a common joke"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a well-known jest", "a frequent gag", or "a familiar wisecrack", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While generally acceptable, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. In some highly formal contexts, you may want to opt for a more sophisticated or precise alternative.

What's the difference between "a common joke" and "an inside joke"?

"A common joke" is widely known, while "an inside joke" is only understood by a specific group of people who share a particular experience or knowledge.