a commonplace observation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a commonplace observation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a statement or remark that is widely recognized or accepted as true, often due to its frequent occurrence. Example: "It is a commonplace observation that people tend to underestimate the impact of small changes in their daily routines."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

This is a commonplace observation: let's not pretend, women too often just can't wait to do down the choices of other women, particularly when they're more successful.

The Guardian - Opinion

'It is a commonplace observation that work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion". So wrote C Northcote Parkinson in jest about postwar bureaucracy in 1955.

The Guardian - Business

When it comes to short ranges, it was a commonplace observation in our workflow that (1) could be tolerably approximated by linear surfaces (Appendix).

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

In the essay, Parkinson states: "It is a commonplace observation that work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion".

Huffington Post

That biological, technological, and social networks are organized in a modular fashion is by now a commonplace observation.

Biology Direct

It turns out that "the same set of ligands" boils down to two amino acid substitutions in the membrane portion of the enzyme [ 67], whereby the convergent emergence of two amino acid substitutions is a commonplace observation even during human mitochondrial DNA evolution [ 68], so the view that protons were the ancestral substrate of ATPases is compatible with available data.

Biology Direct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

A moral relativist can explain this commonplace observation with a theory of moral knowledge.

SEP

It's hardly a theory at all it's more like a pop way of formalizing commonplace observation and single-mindedness.

The New Yorker

There is still room enough inside this commonplace observation for an author to fill it with tragedy or satire, according to personal inclination.

The New York Times - Books

Ideas from these aren't expressed explicitly, but implied through an analytical-gestural style, a muted palette and de-constructive simplification". "The subject of my work is commonplace observation, the obscure and the overlooked.

The Guardian

It is commonplace observation that situations can affect the expression of personality dispositions.

Personality and Individual Differences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a commonplace observation", ensure the context clearly establishes the shared understanding you are referencing. This strengthens your argument by grounding it in generally accepted knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "a commonplace observation" to introduce genuinely novel ideas. This can create confusion and undermine your credibility. Reserve it for truly well-established and widely recognized points.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a commonplace observation" functions as a noun phrase that typically introduces a statement or idea that is widely recognized or accepted. It sets the stage for further discussion by referencing shared knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms that is a proper and valid sentence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

29%

Science

57%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a commonplace observation" is a noun phrase used to introduce widely recognized statements or ideas. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and acceptable. It appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure you are indeed referencing something widely understood to avoid undermining your credibility. While "a commonplace observation" isn't overwhelmingly common, it serves an important function in establishing shared understanding within a discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a well-known fact

Replaces observation with the concept of a fact that is generally known.

a common understanding

Focuses on the shared knowledge rather than the act of observing.

a typical view

Focuses on the conventional perspective or viewpoint.

a widely held belief

Changes the focus from observation to belief but retains the common understanding aspect.

a usual perception

Replaces observation with perception, indicating a typical way of seeing something.

a generally accepted idea

Shifts from observation to idea, highlighting its widespread acceptance.

a standard notion

Emphasizes the conventional nature of the idea.

a frequent comment

Changes observation to a frequently made remark.

a trite remark

Highlights the overused or unoriginal nature of the observation.

a familiar refrain

Indicates a repetitive or often-heard statement.

FAQs

How can I use "a commonplace observation" in a sentence?

You can use "a commonplace observation" to introduce a statement that is widely recognized or accepted as true. For example: "It's "a commonplace observation" that people tend to repeat their mistakes."

What are some alternatives to "a commonplace observation"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a common understanding", "a well-known fact", or "a generally accepted idea", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a commonplace observation that is obvious"?

Yes, saying "a commonplace observation that is obvious" can be redundant because "commonplace" already implies that something is widely known and therefore, in many cases, obvious. Using just ""a commonplace observation"" is usually sufficient.

When is it appropriate to use "a commonplace observation" in academic writing?

In academic writing, ""a commonplace observation"" can be used to introduce background information or to establish a shared understanding of a concept before presenting new arguments or research. It's helpful when setting the stage for a discussion.