a very common

USAGE SUMMARY

'a very common' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is widely encountered or experienced. For example, "A very common symptom of the flu is a sore throat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A very common error.

The New York Times

"So it is a very common thing.

Independent

Apparently it's a very common fear.

The New Yorker

"This is a very common method".

The New York Times

"It's a very common ideal".

The New Yorker

It's a very common story.

The Guardian - Film

This is a very common misunderstanding.

Yale University

A very common and safe practice.

Cornell University

It is a very common thing.

The New York Times - Sports

It was not a very common response.

The New York Times

And this is a very common crime.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a very common", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being described as common to avoid ambiguity. Be specific about the subject to which the phrase applies.

Common error

Avoid using "a very common" without providing specific context or examples. This can weaken your statement and make it less informative. Instead of saying "It's a very common problem", specify what makes it common and provide supporting details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very common" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that the noun it describes is frequently encountered or widely prevalent. Ludwig examples show it qualifying various nouns, such as "error", "fear", or "method".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

31%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a very common" is a versatile and frequently used adjective phrase that describes something that is widely encountered or prevalent. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, primarily in news, scientific, and academic writing. While it's a straightforward phrase, be mindful of providing specific context when using it to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "widespread" or "prevalent" can offer subtle differences in meaning. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use "a very common" to enhance your writing and convey information clearly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a widespread

Replaces "common" with "widespread", emphasizing the extent of occurrence.

a prevalent

Substitutes "common" with "prevalent", highlighting the dominance or frequency of something.

a frequent

Replaces "common" with "frequent", focusing on the regularity of occurrence.

a typical

Replaces "very common" with "typical", suggesting something is representative or standard.

a usual

Similar to "typical", "usual" implies conformity to what is generally expected.

a routine

Conveys something that happens regularly and is part of a normal procedure.

a garden-variety

This idiomatic expression suggests something is ordinary or unremarkable.

a dime a dozen

An informal idiom indicating something is easily found and therefore not valuable or unique.

nothing new

Suggests that something is not surprising or novel because it has happened many times before.

part for the course

This idiom indicates that something is to be expected as a normal occurrence in a particular situation.

FAQs

How can I use "a very common" in a sentence?

You can use "a very common" to describe something that occurs frequently or is widely observed. For example, "A sore throat is "a very common" symptom of a cold".

What are some alternatives to "a very common"?

Alternatives include "widespread", "prevalent", or "frequent" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a very common"?

While "common" alone is acceptable, adding "very" emphasizes the extent to which something is common. The choice depends on the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a common" and "a very common"?

"A common" simply indicates something is not unusual. "A very common" implies a higher frequency or wider prevalence. The addition of "very" strengthens the assertion.