a common tongue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common tongue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a language that is widely spoken or understood by a group of people. Example: "In a diverse community, English often serves as a common tongue for communication among its members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

We all fumble for a common tongue.

The New York Times - Books

But now, fashion isn't an exclusive language, it's a common tongue.

The New York Times

It is a dream that harks back to Genesis, of a common tongue that perfectly maps thought to world.

The New York Times - Magazine

Three languages -- Croatian, Bosnian and Serbian -- have been conjured up to magnify or introduce differences in what had been essentially a common tongue.

The New York Times

The piece, which had its premiere at this same festival in 1995, is divided into distinct, craterlike sections, probing different groups of sounds or relapsing back into a common tongue.

The New York Times - Arts

Britain and America are no longer divided by a common tongue — for 50 years or more, we have been listening to British music, watching British television and welcoming British writers as warmly as we once welcomed Dickens.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

In central Europe, as in much of the world, knowledge of English has become a basic skill of modern life comparable with the ability to drive a car or use a personal computer.In this section After Babel, a new common tongue Oh là là!

The Economist

Serge himself is already the UMP mayor of Corbeil-Essonnes, a town south-east of Paris.In this section After Babel, a new common tongue Oh là là!

The Economist

They expected to hear the people speaking Aka, a fairly common tongue in that district.

The New York Times - Science

These goals require much more than open access.Fred SpilhausExecutive directorAmerican Geophysical UnionWashington, DCMind your languageSIR – Anybody with some knowledge of Central Europe would know that English is not spoken in the region ("After Babel, a new common tongue", August 7th).

The Economist

Polls suggest that the province's 100,000 Serbs and (very roughly) 1.9m Albanians agree on only one thing: it is their international overlords in charge of the place since the 1999 war between NATO and the Serbs who are mainly to blame for the slump.In this section After Babel, a new common tongue Oh là là!

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a global audience, consider if using a more widely understood term like "shared language" would improve clarity over the slightly more figurative "a common tongue".

Common error

While "a common tongue" is acceptable in most contexts, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "shared language" or "same language" might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common tongue" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. Ludwig examples show it denoting a shared language or means of communication, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

12.5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6.25%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common tongue" is a versatile noun phrase that refers to a shared language used for communication. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase appears frequently in news and media, science, and wiki contexts, reflecting its neutral register and broad applicability. While it's a generally accepted phrase, consider using simpler alternatives in informal settings for improved clarity. The phrase effectively conveys the idea of shared understanding facilitated by a common language, making it a valuable addition to one's linguistic toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shared language

Emphasizes the aspect of mutual possession and usage of a language.

lingua franca

A more formal term for a language used for communication between groups of people who speak different languages.

a universal language

Suggests a language that could potentially be understood by everyone.

a bridging language

Highlights the role of connecting different linguistic communities.

a vehicle for communication

Focuses on the language's function as a tool for exchanging information.

a standardized language

Implies a formal and regulated language.

an agreed-upon language

Suggests a language that has been consciously chosen for common use.

a language of wider communication

Highlights the extended reach and utility of the language.

an interlanguage

Refers to a language used by learners who are still developing proficiency.

a vehicular language

Similar to "a vehicle for communication", emphasizing the instrumental role of language.

FAQs

What does "a common tongue" mean?

The phrase "a common tongue" refers to a language that is spoken and understood by a group of people, allowing them to communicate effectively with each other. It often implies a shared cultural or historical connection through language.

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

You might say, "English serves as "a shared language" for international business" or "Despite their different backgrounds, they found "a lingua franca" in music."

What are some alternatives to using "a common tongue"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a shared language", "a lingua franca", or "a universal language".

Is "a common tongue" the same as "a mother tongue"?

No, "a common tongue" refers to a shared language, while "a mother tongue" refers to a person's native language or the first language they learn.