a common trend

USAGE SUMMARY

'a common trend' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when referring to an observed or emerging pattern among a certain group or population. For example, "Recent surveys suggest a common trend in which more and more people are choosing to telecommute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a common trend in the internet ecosystem.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Perhaps not so coincidentally this is a common trend.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's now become a common trend is for people to use triathlon as a way to lose weight," Oeinck said.

The New York Times - Sports

Fighting back against image theft is becoming a common trend among photographers who share their content online and via social media.

The Guardian - Arts

Brunel University alone has seen the number of students seeking counselling more than double in the past 10 years – a common trend throughout the UK.

The Guardian

Heavily influenced by Buddhist and Gandhian thinking, Sarvodaya reflects a common trend in Asia of seeing rural development in its widest sense.

The Guardian

Stage aesthetics all contain a common trend.

TechCrunch

The ubiquity of sensor networks is a common trend nowadays.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Over the next five years this will spread into other fields and become a common trend.

TechCrunch

It's a common trend to disguise the slate computing device as a book.

TechCrunch

Banishing the car from urban areas is becoming a common trend in many European cities.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Clearly define the scope and context of the "common trend" to avoid ambiguity. Specify the group, area, or field in which the trend is observed.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a common trend" applies universally. A trend observed in one demographic or industry may not be applicable to all. Always qualify your statements with relevant context and limitations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common trend" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It identifies a pattern or tendency that is prevalent or frequently observed. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

49%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common trend" is a versatile phrase used to describe a frequently observed pattern or tendency. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. When employing this phrase, ensure that you provide specific supporting evidence and clearly define its scope to enhance clarity and credibility. While alternatives like "a widespread tendency" or "a general pattern" exist, "a common trend" maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a widespread tendency

Replaces "trend" with "tendency" and "common" with "widespread", emphasizing the breadth of the observed pattern.

a general pattern

Substitutes "trend" with "pattern" and "common" with "general", focusing on the overall arrangement or form.

a prevailing fashion

Replaces "trend" with "fashion" and "common" with "prevailing", highlighting the current popularity or acceptance of something.

a typical occurrence

Changes the phrase to suggest something that happens regularly or is characteristic of a particular thing.

a familiar development

Emphasizes the evolution or unfolding of something that is widely recognized.

a recurrent theme

Highlights the repetition or reappearance of a central idea or motif.

a shared characteristic

Focuses on a trait or feature that is common to multiple entities or situations.

a consistent feature

Indicates a stable or unchanging aspect that is regularly observed.

a widespread practice

Suggests an action or method that is commonly done or followed.

an established norm

Highlights something that is considered standard, typical, or expected.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common trend" to describe a pattern or tendency that is frequently observed. For example, "A common trend in the tech industry is the increasing adoption of cloud computing."

What are some alternatives to saying "a common trend"?

Alternatives to "a common trend" include "a widespread tendency", "a general pattern", or "a prevailing fashion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a common trend" or "a general trend"?

Both "a common trend" and "a general trend" are grammatically correct and widely used. The choice depends on the context; "common" emphasizes frequency, while "general" emphasizes broad applicability.

What's the difference between "a trend" and "a common trend"?

"A trend" simply indicates a direction or tendency, while "a common trend" specifies that the trend is observed frequently or across a significant portion of a population or field.