a popular form

USAGE SUMMARY

"a popular form" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is widely used or accepted. For example, "Social media is a popular form of communication in the 21st century."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A decade ago, bidding on online auctions was a popular form of online entertainment.

HuffPost

The novel is a popular form.

The New York Times - Books

Is it a popular form in Germany?

The New Yorker

Homeopathy is a popular form of complementary and alternative medicine.

Homeopathy

Is the short story a popular form in Swiss literature?

The New Yorker

Interspinous-based dynamic stabilization has become a popular form of treatment in recent years.

SAS Journal

For many years, spinal manipulation has been a popular form of treatment.

Journal of Pain and Symptom Management

A popular form of saving in Africa was the savings club.

The Economist

Q. News parody has been a popular form of TV comedy.

The New York Times - Arts

Performed by women at celebrations, al-aita is a popular form of entertainment with rural origins.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Acupuncture is a popular form of complementary and alternative medicine for treating pain and dysfunction associated with musculoskeletal conditions.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "a popular form" with specific examples to illustrate the prevalence or acceptance of the subject. For instance, "Streaming services are a popular form of entertainment.".

Common error

Avoid using "a popular form" without providing sufficient context. Saying "It's a popular form" without specifying what 'it' is can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a popular form" functions as a noun phrase complement, typically following a verb like "is" or "has become". It identifies a particular type or instance as being widely accepted or common, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

23%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a popular form" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something is widely accepted, practiced, or favored. As Ludwig confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears frequently in diverse sources, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While it's important to avoid overgeneralization and provide sufficient context, using this phrase effectively enhances clarity and provides valuable information to the reader. Be mindful of the subtle differences in meaning between "a popular form" and alternatives like "a common type" or "a prevalent style" to ensure the most accurate expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common type

Focuses on the frequency of occurrence, rather than the appreciation of it.

a widespread method

Emphasizes the extensive distribution of the method, not necessarily its favor.

a prevalent style

Highlights the dominance of a particular style over others.

a favored approach

Indicates preference for a particular method, implying selection from multiple options.

a well-liked variant

Directly expresses that a specific version is received with appreciation.

a typical version

Shifts the emphasis to representativeness rather than popularity.

a mainstream trend

Highlights the acceptance and adoption of something by the majority.

a general fashion

Indicates a style or practice currently in vogue.

a recognized manner

Emphasizes that a specific way is widely acknowledged.

a conventional practice

Focuses on adherence to established norms and customs.

FAQs

How can I use "a popular form" in a sentence?

You can use "a popular form" to describe something that is widely accepted or practiced. For example, "Online shopping is "a popular form" of commerce".

What are some alternatives to "a popular form"?

Alternatives include "a common type", "a widespread method", or "a prevalent style", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a popular form"?

While generally acceptable, ensure that the context warrants its use. If something is only popular within a niche group, a more specific descriptor may be more accurate.

What's the difference between "a popular form" and "a common form"?

"A popular form" implies that something is well-liked or favored, while "a common form" simply means it occurs frequently, without necessarily being liked.