a frequent sight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a frequent sight" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is commonly observed or seen in a particular context or location. Example: "In the bustling city, street performers are a frequent sight, entertaining passersby with their talents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Lorries carrying troops are a frequent sight in Natal.

The Economist

White plates are a frequent sight throughout: performers spin them, balanced on their edges, like tops.

The New York Times - Arts

Russians are a frequent sight in Paris, on the C d'Azur and at high-end ski resorts.

The New York Times

A frequent sight is Mr. Vidich slipping his lithe form inside of two or more frames stacked together and clambering through the space.

The New York Times - Arts

Santiago Peralta, 48, who works at Apollo Radio Dispatch, a car-service business at that corner, said that the prostitutes were a frequent sight, day and night.

The New York Times

The image of longing, in the form of reaching arms, was a frequent sight, but the dead-serious faces of the dancers made such actions mundane.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

"Harangue" is the indicator of a soundalike - not a frequent sighting, but it does fit the "say it or hear it" category.

The Guardian

Roads started to replace dirt tracks and cars became a more frequent sight; a state-funded Information Technology institute came to town; multi-story hotels were built.

The New Yorker

As Chinese warships and patrol boats have become a more frequent sight near here, some islanders have begun to speak out more in support of the American and Japanese militaries, even as sentiment against United States bases remains strong.

The New York Times

In certain sections of this leafy Suffolk County town, here in particular, houses with two front doors are an increasingly frequent sight.

The New York Times

She relays a truly resonate image of Long's significance in Aboriginal communities; the frequent sight of a No. 13 Essendon guernsey being used in desert burial ceremonies.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends or changes over time, use "a frequent sight" to illustrate how something has become more or less common. For example, "Electric cars are becoming a frequent sight on city streets".

Common error

Avoid using "a frequent sight" to describe something that should be rare or unexpected, as it can create an unintentionally humorous or ironic effect. For instance, "Accidents are a frequent sight on this highway" might be better phrased as "Accidents are regrettably common on this highway".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a frequent sight" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It describes something that is commonly observed or encountered, indicating its prevalence in a particular context. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Arts

13%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Sports

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a frequent sight" is a grammatically sound and versatile noun phrase used to describe something commonly observed or encountered. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Appearing most often in News & Media contexts, as well as Arts and Sports, it serves to inform and set expectations about the prevalence of a subject. To avoid misuse, it's best applied to describe genuinely common occurrences, as highlighted in the writing guidance. Alternatives such as "a common occurrence" or "often seen" can provide subtle shifts in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common occurrence

Emphasizes the event or situation happening regularly.

a regular feature

Highlights the consistent presence of something.

a usual spectacle

Focuses on the visual aspect and its typicality.

a familiar scene

Stresses the recognizability and commonness of the setting.

often seen

A more concise way to express the same idea.

commonly observed

Highlights the act of seeing and its prevalence.

typically visible

Focuses on the visual availability and expectedness.

a usual phenomenon

Emphasizes the event or situation happening regularly and being remarkable.

a recurring image

Focuses on the visual aspect and its repeated appearance.

a commonplace view

Stresses the ordinariness and ubiquity of what is seen.

FAQs

How can I use "a frequent sight" in a sentence?

You can use "a frequent sight" to describe something that is commonly observed in a particular location or situation. For example, "Construction cranes are "a frequent sight" in the rapidly developing downtown area".

What can I say instead of "a frequent sight"?

You can use alternatives like "a common occurrence", "a regular feature", or "often seen" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a frequent sight" or "a frequently sight"?

"A frequent sight" is correct. "Frequently" is an adverb and doesn't fit in this noun phrase construction. You need the adjective "frequent" to modify the noun "sight".

What's the difference between "a frequent sight" and "a familiar sight"?

"A frequent sight" means something is commonly seen. "A familiar sight" implies something is recognized or known. While they can overlap, "familiar" focuses on recognition, and "frequent" focuses on how often it's seen.