a common thing

USAGE SUMMARY

'a common thing' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to something that is frequently seen or encountered. For example: "Going to the mall on a Saturday afternoon is a common thing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's such a common thing.

The Guardian

This was a common thing.

The New Yorker

That's not a common thing.

The Guardian

Not a common thing in life".

The Guardian

"That's a common thing in biomedical research," Dr. Mansky said.

The New York Times - Science

There's a common thing with male stand-ups.

The Guardian

Fear of the front row is a common thing.

The Guardian

"What I do isn't a common thing, yet".

The New Yorker

She thought it was going to be a common thing.

The New Yorker

It's a common thing with comedians, and we tend to be very empathetic towards one another.

Independent

Because in my world, the artist's world, it's a common thing.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a common thing" to introduce an idea or phenomenon that is widely recognized or occurs frequently to establish shared understanding with your audience.

Common error

While "a common thing" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "typical", "frequent", or "usual" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common thing" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It serves to identify and describe something that is ordinary, usual, or frequently encountered. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common thing" is a versatile phrase used to denote something that is typical, frequent, or widely known. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media. While acceptable, it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse, opting for synonyms like "typical occurrence" or "frequent event" to add variety to your writing. Understanding the connotations and usage patterns of "a common thing" allows for effective communication across various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a frequent occurrence

Replaces 'thing' with 'occurrence', emphasizing the event or instance aspect of something common.

a typical situation

Substitutes 'common' and 'thing' with 'typical situation', focusing on the normality of the scenario.

a usual practice

Replaces 'thing' with 'practice', highlighting the habitual or customary aspect of something common.

a regular event

Similar to 'frequent occurrence', but uses 'event' to emphasize the happening itself.

a standard procedure

Implies a formal or established way of doing something that is common.

a normal phenomenon

Uses 'phenomenon' to refer to a fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one whose cause or explanation is in question.

a widespread habit

Focuses on the habitual nature of a common action across a large group.

a general trend

Indicates that something is happening more and more and that more people are becoming involved.

a prevailing attitude

Emphasizes the mindset or feeling that is widely accepted or practiced.

a run-of-the-mill experience

Replaces the more neutral 'common thing' with a more negatively connoted 'run-of-the-mill experience', suggesting something is ordinary and unexciting.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common thing" to describe something that happens frequently or is widely known. For example: "It's "a common thing" to see tourists taking pictures in front of famous landmarks."

What are some alternatives to "a common thing"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a typical occurrence", "a frequent event", or "a usual practice", depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "a common thing" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "a common thing" might be too informal for some academic or professional contexts. Consider using more precise or sophisticated language to enhance clarity and professionalism.

What is the difference between "a common thing" and "something common"?

"A common thing" refers to a specific instance or occurrence that is typical, while "something common" is more general and can refer to shared characteristics or attributes. For example: "Having similar interests is "something common" among friends."