a common type

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common type" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a frequently encountered category or classification of something. Example: "The blue jay is a common type of bird found in North America."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A common type of dangler problem.

The New York Times

In several pictures, he was a playboy doctor with a drinking problem — a common type in movies of the era.

The New Yorker

A common type utilizes a writing stylus that records measurements on a moving chart.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The star is of a common type somewhat hotter and more luminous than the Sun.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They turned up a planet that happens to be the most diminutive ever discovered beyond our own solar system, at least around a common type of star.

The Guardian

Parquet is a common type of flooring that uses rectangular wooden tiles, which are usually arranged in a herringbone or parallel style.

The Guardian - Arts

In order to test how noise affects fish, Johnston and Holt captured blacktail shiners, a common type of minnow, from tributaries of the Chattahoochee River in Alabama.

The New Yorker

Copepods are so small that four of the Calanus finmarchicus species, a common type, would fit end to end on a dime.

The New York Times - Science

Altocumulus clouds, a common type of mid-altitude cloud, are mostly composed of water droplets supercooled to a temperature of about -150C.

The Guardian

Edward's wife, Lydia, was more of a common type, with brown braids wound around her head, and a habit of clearing her throat just before she spoke.

The New Yorker

"When he slept in the sanctuary (a common type of ritual activity, known as incubation), Asclepius appeared to him in a dream.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a common type", ensure the context clearly defines the category or group you are referring to. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a common type" without providing specific examples or characteristics of that type. Vague statements can weaken your argument or explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common type" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating that the noun belongs to a category that is frequently encountered or widely recognized. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common type" is a versatile phrase used to classify something as belonging to a frequently encountered or widely recognized category. As Ludwig AI verifies, this phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for various writing contexts. It is used across diverse fields, including news, science, and encyclopedias, indicating its broad applicability. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the context clearly defines the category being referenced. Consider alternatives like "a typical example" or "a frequent kind" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a typical example

Replaces 'type' with 'example', focusing on the representativeness of the instance.

a frequent kind

Substitutes 'common' with 'frequent' and 'type' with 'kind', emphasizing the high occurrence rate.

a prevalent form

Changes 'common' to 'prevalent' and 'type' to 'form', highlighting widespread existence.

a widespread variety

Replaces 'common' with 'widespread' and 'type' with 'variety', underscoring broad distribution.

a familiar sort

Substitutes 'common' with 'familiar' and 'type' with 'sort', suggesting well-known and recognizable nature.

a usual class

Changes 'common' to 'usual' and 'type' to 'class', emphasizing conventional categorization.

a regular pattern

Replaces 'type' with 'pattern', focusing on recurring arrangements or sequences.

a standard model

Substitutes 'common' with 'standard' and 'type' with 'model', indicating conformity to an established norm.

a recognised category

Replaces 'common' with 'recognised' and 'type' with 'category', stressing acknowledged classification.

a general species

Changes 'common' to 'general' and 'type' to 'species', emphasizing broad grouping.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common type" to describe something that is frequently encountered or widely recognized within a specific category. For example, "The tension headache is "a common type" of headache."

What are some alternatives to "a common type"?

Alternatives include "a typical example", "a frequent kind", or "a prevalent form", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "a common type" or "a typical type"?

Both "a common type" and "a typical type" are grammatically correct. "A common type" emphasizes frequency, while "a typical type" emphasizes representativeness. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a common type" in writing?

Use "a common type" when you want to indicate that something belongs to a category that is frequently encountered or widely known. For instance, "Concrete barriers are "a common type" of rigid median barrier."