a common observation

USAGE SUMMARY

'a common observation' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an accepted truth or an oft-mentioned opinion. For example: "It's a common observation that life is too short to not make the most of it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Deep bites are a common observation in BCLP and they are observed in more than 25% of the cases.

BioMed Research International

It's a common observation.

The Guardian - Opinion

A common observation of Abbado's Bruckner has been that it is "un-Germanic" or "Italianate".

The Guardian - Music

A common observation about the dual moguls is that they are not always pretty.

The New York Times - Sports

It is a common observation that people with great talents are often indifferent students.

Harvard Business Review

Increased CH4 emissions with permafrost thaw is a common observation in arctic tundra38,39,40.

Nature

"This is just too crazy!" is a common observation when his freaky beeps and blips clatter and collide.

The Guardian - Music

But, echoing a common observation, she said it was really the young women who were smoking much more.

The New York Times

I left agreeing with a common observation about Burma: its people were, perhaps, too gentle to rebel.

The New Yorker

A common observation 1 h after seeding was the abundance of cell processes.

Biomaterials

Scapular notching is a common observation during radiological follow-up of reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a common observation" to introduce a point that is generally accepted or frequently noted. This sets a foundation of shared understanding with your audience.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "a common observation" as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common observation" functions as an introductory element, signaling that the statement that follows is not a novel insight but rather a widely recognized or frequently noted phenomenon. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is used across various contexts to introduce generally accepted truths or opinions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common observation" is a versatile phrase used to introduce ideas that are generally accepted or frequently noted. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse fields like science and news media. While highly functional, it's important to vary sentence structure to avoid repetition. Use it to create a foundation of shared understanding with your audience, signaling that the statement that follows is not a novel insight but rather a known idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a prevailing view

Suggests that the observation is currently dominant or popular.

a widespread perception

Emphasizes the mental understanding or belief that is broadly held.

a standard understanding

Implies that the observation is a well-established and accepted fact.

a frequent remark

Focuses on the act of speaking or writing about the observation rather than the observation itself.

a typical finding

Indicates that the observation is a usual result in research or investigation.

a general consensus

Highlights the agreement or shared opinion among a group of people.

a noted tendency

Highlights that the observation is a recognized pattern or inclination.

a usual phenomenon

Highlights that the observation is a recurring event or occurrence.

a shared belief

Emphasizes that the observation is held in common by many people.

a recurrent theme

Focuses on the observation as a repeated idea or subject.

FAQs

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

Use "a common observation" to introduce a statement or idea that is widely recognized or acknowledged. For example, "A common observation is that people tend to underestimate the time it takes to complete a task".

What are some alternatives to "a common observation"?

You can use phrases like "a prevailing view", "a widespread perception", or "a general consensus" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a common observation" is suitable for formal writing as it introduces factual statements or widely accepted ideas in a professional tone. However, ensure that the observation is genuinely common and supported by evidence.

What is the difference between "a common observation" and "a personal opinion"?

"A common observation" refers to a viewpoint that is widely shared and often supported by evidence, while "a personal opinion" is an individual's subjective belief or feeling, which may not be universally accepted.