a common reaction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common reaction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a typical or frequently observed response to a particular situation or stimulus. Example: "When faced with unexpected news, a common reaction is to feel shocked or surprised."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

That's a common reaction.

The New York Times

It is a common reaction.

The New York Times

Is that a common reaction?

The New York Times - Magazine

"And that's a common reaction".

The New York Times - Health

This is a common reaction.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This must have been a common reaction.

Independent

That's a common reaction, of course.

The New York Times

That is a common reaction, Mr. Opprecht said.

The New York Times

"Whatever next?" was a common reaction to his political career.

The Guardian - Arts

This is a common reaction, Mr. Sardina said.

The New York Times

A common reaction, Dr. Tisch said, is shock and hesitancy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a general trend or widely observed behavior, use "a common reaction" to emphasize its prevalence. For instance, "a common reaction to unexpected stress is increased anxiety".

Common error

Be cautious not to assume that a reaction is "common" without sufficient evidence. Quantify or qualify the observation by saying, for example, "a frequent reaction" or "a typical response among X is Y", when you have a specific context in mind.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common reaction" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies and characterizes a particular response as being prevalent or typical, as supported by examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common reaction" is a versatile phrase used to describe typical or frequent responses to various situations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase serves to categorize, describe, and normalize behaviors. To avoid overgeneralization, ensure sufficient evidence supports the claim that a reaction is indeed "common". Consider alternatives like "a typical response" or "a frequent reaction" for greater precision. Understanding these nuances enhances clarity and accuracy in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a typical response

Replaces 'reaction' with 'response' and 'common' with 'typical', focusing on the usual way of acting or behaving.

a frequent response

Substitutes 'common' with 'frequent', highlighting how often something occurs as a reaction.

a normal response

Emphasizes that the reaction is within the range of what is considered usual or standard.

a usual reaction

Similar to 'typical' and 'normal', indicating that the reaction is what is expected in a given situation.

a predictable reaction

Focuses on the ability to anticipate the reaction based on previous experience or understanding.

an expected reaction

Highlights that the reaction aligns with what is anticipated or foreseen.

a standard response

Indicates that the response conforms to an established norm or guideline.

a widespread response

Suggests that the reaction is prevalent across a large group or area.

a general response

Implies that the reaction is broadly applicable and not specific to a particular case.

a shared response

Highlights that multiple individuals experience the same reaction.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common reaction" to describe a typical response to a particular situation. For example, "A common reaction to receiving good news is excitement."

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

You can use alternatives like "a typical response", "a frequent reaction", or "a usual reaction" depending on the context.

Is it always accurate to describe something as "a common reaction"?

Not necessarily. While "a common reaction" implies a widespread response, it's important to ensure that the reaction is indeed prevalent and not just an isolated occurrence. Consider using qualifiers if the reaction is only common within a specific group or context.

What's the difference between "a normal reaction" and "a common reaction"?

"A normal reaction" suggests that the response is within the expected range of human behavior, while "a common reaction" indicates that it is frequently observed. While related, "common" emphasizes frequency, and "normal" emphasizes acceptability or typicality.