a common one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is frequently encountered or widely recognized. Example: "The phrase 'time flies' is a common one that many people use to express how quickly time seems to pass."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The sight of a badly parked EULEX vehicle is a common one on Pristina's streets.

Vice

Gray's story is a common one on historically black college campuses around the country.

Huffington Post

That's a common one!

The Guardian - Music

Alum is a common one.

The New York Times - Health

The complaint is a common one.

The New York Times

Joshua Thompson's plight is a common one.

The New York Times

His attitude is a common one here.

The New York Times

"One Third Protected" was a common one.

The New York Times

Dr. Hager's argument is a common one.

The New York Times

Ms. Polese's theme was a common one.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They are a kind of phytoplankton called diatoms, a common one-celled organism.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a common one", ensure the context clearly identifies what the 'one' refers to, maintaining clarity and avoiding ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "That's a common one", specify, "That mistake is a common one among beginners".

Common error

Avoid using "a common one" without providing sufficient context. Saying something is "a common one" without specifying what 'one' refers to can leave your audience confused. Instead, be specific: "Procrastination is a common one among students facing deadlines."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common one" functions as a nominal phrase, where 'one' stands in for a previously mentioned noun or concept. It emphasizes that the subject being discussed is not unique but rather frequently observed. Ludwig's examples showcase this function across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

22%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a common one" is a versatile and frequently used expression to indicate that something is typical, widespread, or frequently encountered. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to provide sufficient context. While alternatives like "a typical example" or "a frequent occurrence" exist, "a common one" effectively conveys the idea of something being unexceptional and broadly observed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a typical instance

Focuses on the instance or example being representative.

a frequent occurrence

Highlights the repeated nature of something happening.

a widespread phenomenon

Emphasizes the broad reach and distribution of something.

a general example

Points out the non-specific, universal nature of the instance.

a regular feature

Indicates something that is consistently present or observed.

a standard element

Implies conformity to a norm or expectation.

a familiar situation

Suggests a scenario that is well-known and easily recognized.

a usual case

Highlights that something is in accordance with what is most often seen or experienced.

a prevalent attribute

Emphasizes the widespread existence of a quality or characteristic.

a recurring theme

Indicates that a particular idea or motif appears repeatedly.

FAQs

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

Use "a common one" to refer to something prevalent or frequently encountered. For example, "That error is "a common one" in beginner programming courses".

What are some alternatives to "a common one"?

Alternatives include "a typical example", "a frequent occurrence", or "a widespread phenomenon", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

While "the common one" can be grammatically correct in certain contexts, it implies a specific instance known to both the speaker and listener. "A common one" is generally used to refer to any instance of something prevalent, making it more broadly applicable.

What's the difference between "a common one" and "a usual one"?

"A common one" implies that something is frequently encountered or widespread, whereas "a usual one" suggests that something is typical or expected in a specific context. They are often interchangeable, but "a common one" emphasizes frequency, while "a usual one" emphasizes expectation.