a common solution

USAGE SUMMARY

"a common solution" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a solution that is shared or agreed upon by multiple people or groups. Example: "Addressing climate change is a pressing issue that requires a common solution from all nations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cold soups are a common solution.

The New York Times

A common solution was to drive backward up hills.

The New York Times - Books

A common solution is to use banks' own models.

The Economist

A common solution has been to ignore infrequent species.

Forest Ecology and Management

Finally, the paper proposes a common solution about laboratory testing.

Procedia Engineering

A common solution is the use of a corrugated panel.

Composite Structures

"I think that a common solution will be found very soon," he added.

The New York Times

Experts say both Salt and University need to traditionally grow to strengthen a common solution.

The Guardian

On Tuesday, Merkel said the EU needed to find a common solution to the crisis, without recrimination.

The Guardian

The "flying toilet" is a common solution in Indian slums to the lack of bathrooms.

The New York Times

A set of equations that has a common solution is called a system of simultaneous equations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a common solution" to indicate that a particular way of resolving an issue is widely accepted or frequently employed within a specific field or context.

Common error

Avoid using "a common solution" when referring to a novel or unique approach. This phrase is best suited for describing practices that are already established and well-recognized.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common solution" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It describes a method or approach that is widely recognized or frequently used to address a particular problem.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

34%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common solution" is a versatile phrase used to describe a widely accepted or frequently employed method for resolving a problem. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, including science, news, and academia. While it's important to avoid overgeneralization and ensure the solution is indeed well-established, this phrase effectively communicates the idea of a generally recognized approach. When a slightly different nuance is needed, consider using alternatives such as "a shared solution" or "a typical solution".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shared solution

Emphasizes the collaborative aspect of the solution.

a typical solution

Highlights the solution's conventional or standard nature.

a standard solution

Similar to 'typical', but emphasizes adherence to established norms.

a widely used solution

Focuses on the prevalence of the solution.

a frequent solution

Implies that the solution is often applied.

a general solution

Suggests a solution applicable to many cases.

a usual solution

Similar to 'typical' and 'standard', but perhaps slightly less formal.

an established solution

Highlights that the solution is well-recognized and accepted.

a routine solution

Implies that the solution is applied without much thought or effort.

a known solution

Emphasizes the familiarity of the solution.

FAQs

What does "a common solution" mean?

The phrase "a common solution" refers to a way of resolving a problem that is widely used, accepted, or understood.

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

You can use "a common solution" to describe an approach to a problem that is frequently used. For example, "Cold soups are a common solution for the summer months".

Which is correct, "a common solution" or "the common solution"?

"A common solution" implies that there are multiple possible solutions, but this one is frequently used. "The common solution" implies that there is one specific solution that is generally accepted.

What are some alternatives to "a common solution"?

You can use alternatives such as "a shared solution", "a typical solution", or "a standard solution" depending on the specific context.