a common match

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common match" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is frequently found or often occurs together, such as in comparisons or pairings. Example: "In many cultures, blue and yellow are considered a common match for color schemes in design."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

While variations exist, a common match is 30 minutes long and includes six swimmers per team kicking, diving, defending and sucking fast gulps of air through snorkel tubes.

The New York Times

Attempts by the so-called shoe bomber of 2001 and the underwear bomber of 2009 to bring down airliners with PETN hidden in their clothing failed in part because the bombers tried unsuccessfully to ignite their charges with a common match flame and some sort of chemical initiator.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This was a common matched pattern in the entire Case study data.

BMC Pediatrics

Under the most common match formula, an employer contributes $1 for every $1 the employee saves up to some percent of salary---say 6%.

Forbes

According to a 2009 survey by Hewitt Associates, the most common match is 50% of the first 6% of salary an employee saves, and the second most common is 100% of the first 6% of salary an employee tucks away.

Forbes

If all sequences within a nearly identical cluster shared a common closest match they were considered to be the same species.

Plosone

The primitive trigger device that the bomb employed was a nail, tensioned by rubber bands designed to slam into six common match heads when the box was opened.

Wikipedia

With the increased number of reported concussions and concussion remaining the most common match injury, education and raising awareness are clearly having an effect.

The Guardian - Sport

Still, the most common match is 50 cents per dollar, the survey found, at 32percentt.

The New York Times

"Jesus" made the common match between the Christ and Buddha, while "Father and Son" set Siddhartha on his way to the bodhi tree.

The New York Times - Arts

Bar-height stools are also the most common match for pub tables.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a common match", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being matched or paired. For example, "Blue and green are a common match for nature-themed designs."

Common error

Avoid assuming "a common match" implies a perfect or ideal pairing; it simply means the pairing is frequently observed, not necessarily optimal. Clarify if you intend to convey superiority or suitability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common match" functions primarily as a descriptive element, often acting as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. As Ludwig AI indicates, it highlights something frequently found or occurring together.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a common match" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that indicates a frequently observed pairing or association. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, suggesting it is used to describe pairings that are often found together in various contexts. While the phrase isn't exceedingly common, it appears across diverse source types, including news, science, and academic publications. It's important to note that "a common match" simply indicates frequency, not necessarily suitability or optimality. Alternatives such as "a typical pairing" or "a frequent combination" can be used to express similar meanings while varying the nuance. When employing this phrase, ensure the context is clear and the intended meaning of frequent association is conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a typical pairing

Focuses on the typicality of the pairing rather than just its common occurrence.

a frequent combination

Highlights the frequency of the combination, similar to "common".

a standard match

Emphasizes that the match is according to a standard.

a usual combination

Indicates the combination is the usual one.

a typical combination

Emphasizes the typical nature of the combination.

a well-known pairing

Highlights that the pairing is widely known.

a prevalent combination

Emphasizes that the combination is widespread.

a familiar pairing

Suggests the pairing is recognized and known.

a regular match

Implies that the match occurs on a regular basis.

a conventional pairing

Focuses on the conventional nature of the pairing.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common match" to describe pairings that frequently occur together. For example, "In fashion, black and white are "a common match" for formal events".

What can I say instead of "a common match"?

You can use alternatives like "a typical pairing", "a frequent combination", or "a standard match" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the common match" instead of "a common match"?

Using "the common match" implies there is a specific, universally known pairing. "A common match" suggests one among many frequent pairings. The choice depends on whether you're referring to a particular pairing or a general tendency.

What is the difference between "a common match" and "a perfect match"?

"A common match" simply means that two things are frequently paired together. "A perfect match" implies an ideal pairing that is highly suitable or effective. The terms are related, but they don't mean the same thing.