a common school

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common school" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a public school that is open to all children in a community, typically emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility. Example: "In the early 20th century, the movement for a common school system gained momentum, advocating for education that was available to every child regardless of their background."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The towns of Maplewood and South Orange have intertwined histories that date to the late 19th century, and today they share a common school system.

The New York Times

Banks received only a common school education and at an early age began work as a bobbin boy in a cotton factory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Judis hopes to rebut, or at least to complicate, a common school of sociology, associated with C. Wright Mills and some of his disciples, that holds that a small "power elite" acts to stymie fundamental reform in the United States.

The New York Times - Books

He had only a common school education where he was born, at West Overton, Pa.

Forbes

Caning used to be a common school punishment in previous generations, but it has become tightly regulated after concerns that it was too harsh.

BBC

While there have been some moves by governments to institute a common school starting age by 2010, there has been no formal agreement by the state and territory governments about who will cover the cost implications, so it seems unlikely that this will take place by the target date.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

In a rural spot near the village of Chailey, where there is a common, schools and two pubs.

The Times

After that the move for a state system gained impetus, and a Common Schools Bill was passed in 1862, establishing a system similar to that accepted in New South Wales.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Macdonald's formal schooling ended at 15, a common school-leaving age at a time when only children from the most prosperous families were able to attend university.

Wikipedia

A plain white ao dai is a common high school school uniform in the South.

Wikipedia

If it's a more common school dance, then give it a few weeks to be safe.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In modern contexts, consider whether "a public school" or "a community school" more precisely conveys the intended meaning, as "a common school" can sound archaic.

Common error

Avoid using "a common school" interchangeably with modern terms like "public school" without considering the historical implications and connotations of the former. "A common school" specifically refers to 19th-century education reform movements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common school" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a specific type of school, particularly in a historical context. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Wiki

26%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a common school" is grammatically correct and usable, referring to a publicly funded and accessible school, often in a historical context. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While alternatives like "public school" are available, the term is most appropriate when discussing 19th-century education reforms. Common in News & Media and Wiki sources, it carries a neutral to formal register. Using the phrase accurately requires attention to its historical connotations, avoiding interchangeable use with modern terms without considering historical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a public school

Emphasizes the school's funding and administration by the government, focusing on accessibility to all members of the public.

a state school

Highlights the school's governance and financial support by the state government, pointing to standardized curriculum and policies.

an inclusive school

Stresses the school's dedication to welcoming students of all abilities and backgrounds, putting importance on diversity and equal opportunity.

a community school

Focuses on the school's role as a central hub for local community activities and resources, highlighting its broader social function.

a comprehensive school

Indicates a school that offers a wide range of subjects and caters to diverse learning needs, stressing the breadth of its curriculum.

a general school

Highlights the broad nature of the education offered, open to all students without specific focus.

a unified school

Emphasizes the school's aim to bring together students from diverse backgrounds into a cohesive educational environment.

an accessible school

Highlights the school's accessibility to students from all socio-economic backgrounds, focusing on affordable or free education.

a shared school

Focuses on the collaborative aspect of the educational environment, emphasizing shared resources and community involvement.

a non-private school

Focuses on the exclusion of being a private institution and the concept of the school being public

FAQs

How does the term "a common school" relate to modern public education?

The term "a common school" historically refers to the 19th-century movement to establish free, publicly funded education available to all children. While modern public schools share the goal of universal access, the term reflects a specific period and philosophy of education.

What are some alternatives to saying "a common school" in contemporary contexts?

In modern contexts, you can use alternatives like "a public school", "a state school", or "a community school" depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is "a common school" the same as a private school?

No, "a common school" refers to a publicly funded and administered school accessible to all children in a community. This is the opposite of a private school, which is funded by tuition and donations and may have selective admission policies.

When is it appropriate to use the term "a common school" in writing?

Use "a common school" when discussing the history of education in the United States, particularly the 19th-century movement for universal public education. It accurately reflects the historical context and the specific goals of that era's education reformers.