a common sight

USAGE SUMMARY

'a common sight' is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it to describe something that you often see in a particular place, for example: "In the town centre, colourful balloons are a common sight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Americans were a common sight.

The New Yorker

Syrian restaurants are a common sight.

The Economist

Buzzards and sparrowhawks are a common sight.

The Guardian - Travel

Statues of the boy became a common sight.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Men limping or on crutches are a common sight.

The Economist

Volunteers in fluorescent vests were a common sight.

The New York Times

But the dishes are still a common sight.

The New York Times

It is starting to become a common sight.

The Guardian - Tech

This unglamorous sort of toughness is a common sight.

The New York Times

Bald eagles are a common sight, especially during the winter.

The New York Times - Travel

An overhead jungle of wires is a common sight.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a setting, use "a common sight" to quickly establish familiarity or normalcy for the reader. For example: "In the bustling marketplace, street performers were a common sight."

Common error

Avoid using "a common sight" when describing something rare or unusual, as it undermines the phrase's meaning. Instead, reserve it for situations or objects that are genuinely frequently observed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common sight" functions as a noun phrase acting as a predicate nominative or adjective complement. It typically describes something that is frequently seen or observed in a particular context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and suitable for diverse applications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a common sight" is a versatile expression used to describe something frequently observed, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its neutral register and widespread use across various sources, including news, encyclopedias, and general media, make it suitable for diverse contexts. When using "a common sight", ensure it genuinely reflects a frequent occurrence and avoid using it for rare or unexpected situations. Alternatives like "frequent occurrence" or "typical scene" can provide nuanced descriptions depending on the specific context. Common errors include misapplying the phrase to uncommon scenarios, which diminishes its intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something often seen

Directly states the frequency of the sight being observed.

a frequent occurrence

Focuses on the repetitive nature of the event, rather than the visual aspect.

a typical scene

Suggests that the sight is representative of a broader scenario or setting.

a familiar view

Emphasizes the recognition and prior experience with the sight.

a prevalent image

Focuses on the widespread nature of the visual representation.

a usual spectacle

Highlights the visual and often public nature of the sight.

a commonplace observation

Highlights the ordinariness and ease of noticing the sight.

a regular feature

Indicates something that is consistently present or included.

a well-known phenomenon

Implies broader recognition and understanding beyond just a visual experience.

a predictable occurrence

Highlights the expected or anticipated nature of the event.

FAQs

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

Use "a common sight" to describe something frequently observed in a particular place or situation. For instance, "In the park, squirrels are "a common sight"".

What are some alternatives to "a common sight"?

You can use phrases like "familiar view", "frequent occurrence", or "typical scene depending on the specific context.

Is it okay to use "a common sight" in formal writing?

Yes, "a common sight" is suitable for both formal and informal writing contexts as it's a neutral and widely understood phrase.

What's the difference between "a common sight" and "a welcome sight"?

"A common sight" simply indicates frequency, while "a welcome sight" implies that the frequent occurrence is also pleasing or desirable.