a common move

USAGE SUMMARY

"a common move" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or decision that is frequently made or seen in a specific situation or context. For example: 1. "Switching to a plant-based diet has become a common move for people concerned about their health and the environment." 2. "In the game of chess, sacrificing a pawn early on is a common move to gain a strategic advantage." 3. "Many companies have made the common move of outsourcing their customer service to save costs." 4. "As a politician, making promises during campaign season is a common move, but following through on them is not always guaranteed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

A common move to make?

The New Yorker

I don't think it's a common move to make.

The New Yorker

A common move is to expand media, information and electoral laws to include blogs.

The Economist

It's a common move often referred to as "two and out".

The New York Times

That factor, known as transfer pricing, involves corporations' charging their overseas subsidiaries lower prices for goods and services, a common move that lowers a corporation's tax bill.

The New York Times

Late last month, a number of U.A.W. local chapters voted to authorize a strike if talks broke down, a common move aimed at giving union leaders more leverage.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

This paper presents a design of decentralized cooperative controller that forces a group of ships with limited sensing ranges to track a common moving target region.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Even if synchrony does not serve to bind all contours, it might provide a means to mark events that are temporally coincident, such as a common moving edge.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Timofeev's 8 Be2 was unusual; a more common move is 8 Bf6, when after 8... ef6 9 cd5 best13 Qe2 Ne7 11 Nd5 Qd5 12 Qb5 Kd8 (best) 13 Qd5 Nd5, White would have a small edge.

The New York Times

A trademarked name is an increasingly common move.

Independent

This sounds extreme, but it's a fairly common move in political philosophy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a common move", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes the move common. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a common move" without providing context. For example, instead of saying "Outsourcing is a common move", specify the industry or situation where it is common: "Outsourcing customer service is a common move for tech startups".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common move" functions as a noun phrase that describes an action, strategy, or decision that is frequently observed or employed in a given context. It qualifies the noun "move" with the adjective "common", indicating its prevalence. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is widely used and understood.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common move" is a noun phrase effectively used to describe a prevalent action or decision within a specific context. Ludwig AI affirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears across various domains, especially in News & Media. The writing guidance suggests providing ample context and avoiding overgeneralization when using the phrase. While versatile, its usage benefits from specificity to prevent ambiguity. The identified related phrases, such as "a frequent action" or "a standard procedure", offer alternative ways to express similar ideas with nuanced differences in emphasis. Thus, understanding its context and intent is critical to employ it correctly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a frequent action

Replaces "move" with a more general term, focusing on the action being habitual.

a typical step

Emphasizes the sequential and expected nature of the action.

a standard procedure

Highlights that the action is part of an established process.

a usual tactic

Focuses on the strategic or planned aspect of the action.

a well-known practice

Stresses the widespread knowledge of the action.

a routine maneuver

Implies the action is performed regularly and skillfully.

a customary measure

Highlights the action as conforming to established customs or norms.

a general trend

Shifts focus to a broader pattern of behavior rather than a specific action.

a prevalent strategy

Emphasizes the widespread adoption and strategic nature of the action.

a familiar approach

Highlights the action as being recognized and used by many.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common move" to describe an action or strategy that is frequently used in a particular situation. For example, "Authorizing a strike is "a common move" aimed at giving union leaders more leverage".

What are some alternatives to "a common move"?

Alternatives to "a common move" include "a frequent action", "a typical step", or "a standard procedure", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "common practice" or "a common move"?

"Common practice" generally refers to a customary or widely accepted way of doing something, while "a common move" suggests a specific action or decision. The best choice depends on the intended meaning; a practice can encompasses different "a common move".

When is it appropriate to use "a common move" in formal writing?

It is appropriate to use "a common move" in formal writing when describing a strategy or action that is frequently observed or employed within a specific professional context. Providing clear context is crucial.