a commonplace topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a commonplace topic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a subject that is widely discussed or considered ordinary and unremarkable. Example: "In many social gatherings, politics often becomes a commonplace topic of conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Historia de Simona was a rare example of a commonplace topic transformed into a masterpiece.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While in Washington the next war was a "commonplace" topic of discussion, in the country at large people were still trying to come to terms with the last war - the one in Vietnam.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

And remember, as wikiHow fills up more and more with commonplace topics, these are the people who will be the next great resource on which to draw and just might be the difference between ours being the greatest how-to on Earth, instead of another savvy how-to project!

WikiHow

This is an emotive topic, combining a commonplace habit (drinking beer and wine) with a scary outcome (harming your children, grandchildren and future generations) and adding a twist of science for gravitas.

The Guardian

Yet, while Augustine is not often referred to in medieval definitions of probability, a reference to Topics I became a commonplace.

SEP

That is a commonplace.

The New Yorker

It was a commonplace.

The New Yorker

Handstands are a commonplace.

The New York Times - Arts

Great acting was hardly a commonplace.

The New Yorker

Today, she's a commonplace.

The New York Times

Violation of artistic intent was a commonplace.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a commonplace topic" when you want to indicate that a subject is widely known, frequently discussed, or lacks originality. It's suitable for contexts where you want to downplay the novelty or significance of the subject matter.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "a commonplace topic" in formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound dismissive or uninspired. Instead, consider using more nuanced alternatives like "a recurring theme" or "a frequently discussed issue" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a commonplace topic" functions as a noun phrase, where "commonplace" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "topic". It typically serves to identify a subject that is neither novel nor particularly interesting, highlighting its ordinary or unremarkable nature. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

31%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a commonplace topic" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a subject that is ordinary, well-known, and frequently discussed. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, it's important to consider the context. While not incorrect, its overuse, especially in formal writing, might make it sound dismissive or uninspired. Consider alternative phrases like "a familiar theme" or "a recurring issue" to achieve a more sophisticated tone. The phrase appears across various sources, from news media to encyclopedias, although it’s less common in scientific or business writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a typical subject

Replaces "commonplace" with "typical", suggesting a subject that is frequently encountered.

a familiar theme

Substitutes "topic" with "theme" and "commonplace" with "familiar", implying a well-known subject.

a recurring issue

Focuses on the repetitive nature of the topic, highlighting its repeated appearance.

a frequent subject matter

Emphasizes the frequency of the topic's occurrence.

an ordinary matter

Downplays the significance of the topic by describing it as ordinary.

a standard theme

Suggests a topic that is conventional or widely accepted.

a well-worn subject

Implies that the topic has been discussed extensively.

a trite subject

Indicates that the topic is unoriginal and overused.

a hackneyed theme

Suggests the topic is stale and lacks freshness.

a pedestrian topic

Conveys the topic is uninspired or uninteresting.

FAQs

What does "a commonplace topic" mean?

The phrase "a commonplace topic" refers to a subject that is ordinary, well-known, and frequently discussed. It suggests that the topic is not new, unique, or particularly interesting.

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

You might say, "Politics is often "a commonplace topic" at family gatherings", indicating that it's a typical subject of discussion in that setting.

What are some alternatives to "a commonplace topic"?

Alternatives include "a familiar theme", "a typical subject", or "a recurring issue", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a commonplace topic" the same as "a common topic"?

While similar, "a commonplace topic" suggests a higher degree of ordinariness or lack of originality than "a common topic". A common topic is simply frequently discussed, while "a commonplace topic" implies it's also somewhat uninspired.