a commonplace term

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a commonplace term" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a word or phrase that is widely used and recognized in everyday language. Example: "The term 'selfie' has become a commonplace term in modern social media culture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Emily Rosenberg shows how transnational connections were being formed many decades before "globalization" became a commonplace term in economic and political discourse.

Harvard University

After Mr. Bush transformed signing statements from an obscure tool into a commonplace term, Mr. Obama's willingness to use them has disappointed some who had hoped he would roll back the practice, not entrench it.

The New York Times

And in recent years, the label néo-vigneron has been such a commonplace term in French real estate marketing that the definition has become hazy, even being used to describe professional operations that be may new to France but certainly are not new to winemaking, like the well-known Napa Valley company Clos de Val, which has bought in the Languedoc region.

The New York Times

The phrase in question "is a commonplace term, message or expression widely used by a variety of sources that merely conveys an ordinary, familiar, well-recognized concept or sentiment," according to the decision.

Forbes

During his tenure with the Red Sox and especially throughout the New England area, the phrase "Yoouuuk!" became a commonplace term; being seen on T-shirts, bumper stickers, and advertising.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Yet the 96-year-old mag, which keeps a glossary of its "slanguage" on its Web site (www.variety.com), claims to have coined such commonplace terms as sex appeal, corny and sitcom.

The New York Times

"In commonplace terms, it rests on that generosity of spirit which assumes the best, not the worst, of the stranger".

Huffington Post

In speech after speech, Israel was offered unconditional support using the now commonplace terms "unshakable", "unwavering", or "unbreakable".

HuffPost

Employer injury and illness records are unlikely to include the detail contained in medical documents, and can be expected to describe the injuries using commonplace terms rather than medical terminology.

American Journal of Industrial Medicine

Living alone for the first time is a commonplace experience in terms of the realisation, and acceptance, of unopposed selfish- ness.

The Guardian

His essay "The Multi-Cultural Artist: A New Phase in American Writing" appeared in Le Monde in 1976, long before the term became a commonplace and lost its hyphen, and his best achievements as a poet are rooted in his insistence upon the importance of cultural heterogeneity.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a commonplace term", ensure your audience understands the term's meaning. Even if it seems obvious, provide context if necessary to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone knows what "a commonplace term" means, especially in specialized fields. Briefly define it, or use a more widely understood synonym if possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a commonplace term" functions as a noun phrase, specifically an adjective modifying the noun "term". It describes the characteristic of the term being widely known or used, similar to examples Ludwig provides.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a commonplace term" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a term that is widely known and frequently used. While Ludwig identifies it as grammatically correct, the analysis indicates it's relatively rare in occurrence. Its usage spans various contexts, including News & Media and Academia, suggesting a neutral register. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by providing context or defining the term, as familiarity can vary among audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a widely used term

Focuses on the extent of use rather than familiarity.

a familiar expression

Highlights the recognizability and common knowledge of the expression.

a common phrase

Emphasizes the ordinariness and frequency of the phrase.

a well-known phrase

Stresses the broad awareness and recognition of the phrase.

a standard term

Indicates that the term is conventional and accepted.

a prevalent term

Highlights the term's widespread presence and influence.

an everyday term

Focuses on the term's use in ordinary, daily contexts.

a typical expression

Suggests that the expression is representative and not unusual.

a run-of-the-mill term

Implies the term is unoriginal or unremarkable.

a garden-variety term

Highlights that the term is ordinary and unexceptional.

FAQs

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

You can use "a commonplace term" to describe a word or phrase that is widely known and frequently used. For example, "The phrase 'think outside the box' has become "a commonplace term" in business settings".

What are some alternatives to "a commonplace term"?

Alternatives include "a widely used term", "a familiar expression", or "a common phrase". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "a commonplace term" in formal writing?

Yes, "a commonplace term" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but be mindful of your audience. If you suspect they might not be familiar with the term, consider defining it or using a more explicit alternative.

What makes a term "a commonplace term"?

A term becomes "a commonplace term" through frequent use and widespread recognition across various contexts. It's a term that is readily understood and easily recognized by a broad audience.