a typical scene

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a typical scene" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a common or expected situation in a particular context, such as literature, film, or everyday life. Example: "In many romantic comedies, a typical scene involves a misunderstanding between the main characters that leads to comedic tension."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

IT was a typical scene for any beach on a warm summer's day.

The New York Times

A typical Scene pirate, bribing record-store employees and cracking software, might be granted access to three or four topsites.

The New Yorker

A typical scene in many African countries as development "experts" arrive to help plan interventions with local communities.

The Guardian

"I'm at a Mongolian wedding," Mr. Ochwat says in a typical scene, "and I'm having a great time".

The New York Times - Arts

I wonder — could you maybe take, you know, like a typical scene from a break up and describe it as though it were an opera?

The New Yorker

(In a typical scene, Margaret, who marries Bill after Sylvia's death, makes a critical decision about the role she'll take within this wounded family while she's washing dishes).

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Take this, from the beginning of chapter 25, a typical scene-setting opening: "The midday sun erased the shadows from the dock at Scutari and scattered drops of gold in the puddles left by nighttime rain.

The Guardian - Books

Morison drilled a hole about three football fields away for a second camera, which is pointing in a different direction and shows a more typical scene.

The New York Times

A fairly typical scene at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The New York Times - Food

It was a fairly typical scene in Bushwick these days.

The New York Times

But the tank aside, this scene struck me as a rather typical scene of modern Britain.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a typical scene" to set the stage for a narrative or argument, helping the reader or listener understand the normalcy or commonality of what you are describing.

Common error

Avoid beginning multiple consecutive sentences with "a typical scene". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a typical scene" functions as a noun phrase or adjectival phrase modifying a noun, used to describe a setting or situation that is representative or commonly observed. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Books

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a typical scene" is a versatile and widely used expression to depict a common or representative situation. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness. Its frequency across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, underscores its utility in setting the stage and establishing context. While it is generally neutral in register, overusing it in descriptive writing should be avoided. Alternatives like "a characteristic situation" or "a common occurrence" can be considered to add variety and precision to your writing. The phrase functions primarily as a noun phrase and serves the purpose of providing a relatable example.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a characteristic situation

Emphasizes the representativeness of the situation more directly.

a common occurrence

Focuses on the frequency of the event.

a familiar sight

Highlights the visual aspect and recognition of the scene.

a standard scenario

Suggests a predictable and well-established pattern.

a representative example

Positions the scene as an instance that accurately reflects a broader trend.

a usual spectacle

Highlights that what you're seeing is a common sight.

an everyday event

Underscores the routine nature of the scene.

a classic instance

Implies the scene embodies traditional or well-known elements.

a typical episode

Highlights a recurrent event, like a scene from a show.

a representative moment

Highlights that this specific moment is typical of a longer span of time.

FAQs

How can I use "a typical scene" in a sentence?

Use "a typical scene" to describe a common or representative situation. For example, "A typical scene at a coffee shop involves people working on laptops and drinking coffee".

What are some alternatives to "a typical scene"?

You can use alternatives like "a characteristic situation", "a common occurrence", or "a familiar sight" depending on the specific context.

Which is more appropriate: "a typical scene" or "a common scene"?

"A typical scene" is generally preferred because it implies a representative instance, whereas "a common scene" merely suggests frequent occurrence. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize representativeness or frequency.

What does it mean to describe something as "a typical scene"?

Describing something as "a typical scene" means it is a situation or setting that is commonly observed or expected in a particular context. It suggests familiarity and recognizability.