a common person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common person" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is not wealthy, famous, or of high social status. Here is an example of how it can be used: "The politician promised to fight for the rights of the common person and make sure their voices were heard in government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

And he acts like a common person to me.

The New Yorker

Here, to be called "a common person" still constitutes high praise.

The New York Times

To a common person like me, living with HIV, not much attention has been given.

The Guardian

Asked about suggestions of his wealth and connections, Mr. Guan said: "I am a common person, too".

The New York Times

Mr. Zafar stressed that the focus of the film was "the emotions of a common person" and asked viewers to be open-minded.

The New York Times

If he wanted to give his opinion on "one of the most significant residential projects likely to be built in London in the next five years," they said, he should have done it through the normal planning process, like a common person, not privately, royally and at the last minute.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

This allows us (a) to compare non-native speakers (German EFL learners) to native speakers (students from Anglophone countries) on the PISA scale, and (b) to compare proficiency level classifications and policy-defined benchmarks by linking the two test scores for each student in a common-person approach.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

Keeping his alcohol addiction secret, maintaining the persona of a simple rural poet and a friendly common person became most important.

Wikipedia

Mr. Paladino was a "regular, common" person — his own man.

The New York Times

As an ordinary common person, all I can do is be angry and boycott Japanese goods; if there is a war, as a reserve officer, I will not hesitate!" Others attacked the Chinese government for not taking a stronger line.

The Guardian

The aim of this study was to establish score linkages (concordance) among three HRQoL assessment tools: WHOQOL-BREF, DUQOL and HRQOLDA scores, applying a Rasch-based common person equating procedure.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a common person" when you want to emphasize that someone is not special, privileged, or famous. It's useful for creating relatable characters or highlighting the impact of events on everyday people.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid using "a common person" in highly formal or academic writing where more neutral or precise language may be preferred. Consider alternatives like "average citizen" or "typical individual" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common person" functions primarily as a noun phrase. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it identifies an individual who is considered ordinary or average, lacking special status or distinction. This aligns with examples where it describes individuals affected by policies or discovering extraordinary events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

28%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a common person" effectively describes an individual who is not distinguished by wealth, fame, or social status. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used to relate policies or events to everyday experiences. While generally neutral, it's advisable to choose more precise language in formal writing. Alternatives like "average individual" or "ordinary citizen" can offer subtle shifts in meaning. Common pitfalls include overuse in highly formal contexts, where more specific language might be warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an everyday person

Focuses on the person's involvement in daily routines and activities.

an average individual

Replaces "person" with a more neutral term, focusing on typical characteristics.

a normal individual

Uses a more clinical term to define a person that hasn't any peculiarities.

an ordinary citizen

Emphasizes the person's role within a community or nation, highlighting their civic status.

a typical person

Focuses on the person's conformity to a standard or norm.

a regular Joe

An informal idiom denoting an everyday, unremarkable man.

a man in the street

An idiom denoting an ordinary person, considered as representative of the general public.

a plain person

Stresses the lack of distinctive or remarkable qualities.

a working-class person

Highlights the person's socio-economic status and occupation.

a grassroots person

Implies someone connected to ordinary people and local communities.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common person" to describe someone ordinary or not famous, such as "The policy changes will affect "a common person's" daily life."

What's a synonym for "a common person"?

Synonyms include "an average individual", "an ordinary citizen", or "a typical person", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "common person" or "ordinary person"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "ordinary person" might sound slightly more neutral, while "common person" can sometimes imply a lack of privilege or status. Choose the phrase that best fits your intended meaning.

What does it mean to relate to "a common person"?

To relate to "a common person" means to understand and empathize with someone who is not extraordinary or famous, sharing similar experiences and perspectives.