all too common

USAGE SUMMARY

"all too common" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that something is happening very often, especially something that is seen as negative or undesirable. For example, you could say: "In today's world, cruelty and aggression are all too common."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Malnutrition is all too common.

The Guardian - Opinion

Maria Jose's story is all too common.

The Guardian

This conundrum is all too common.

The New York Times

Their stories are all too common.

The Guardian - Money

His experience is all too common.

The Guardian - Money

Regrettably, such practices are all too common.

The Guardian

Cases like Glossip's are all too common.

The New Yorker

Unfortunately, my story is all too common.

The Guardian

Sadly, they are all too common.

The Guardian - Opinion

Such things are, I'm afraid, all too common.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's an all-too-common story in the equatorial belt.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all too common" to express that something negative or undesirable happens frequently, adding emphasis to the problem. For example, "Mistakes are all too common when rushing a project."

Common error

While "all too common" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for more precise language to maintain a professional tone. For instance, instead of "Delays were all too common", consider "Delays frequently occurred" or "Delays were pervasive".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all too common" functions as an intensifier modifying an adjective. It highlights the high frequency of something, typically with a negative connotation. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples across varied sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "all too common" is a versatile expression used to emphasize the frequent occurrence of something, typically with a negative or undesirable connotation. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used. As seen in examples, it appears most commonly in News & Media, conveying a sense of concern or disapproval about widespread issues. While acceptable in most contexts, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or highly professional writing. When using "all too common", remember that it's most effective when highlighting problems or expressing concern about negative trends.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

all too commonplace

Replaces 'common' with 'commonplace', emphasizing the ordinariness and lack of novelty.

sadly frequent

Emphasizes the regretful or unfortunate nature of the frequency.

regrettably typical

Highlights the disappointment associated with something being typical.

disturbingly prevalent

Indicates that the frequency is alarming or concerning.

unfortunately widespread

Focuses on the negative impact of the widespread nature.

excessively routine

Suggests that the frequency has become excessive or undesirable.

unpleasantly familiar

Highlights the unwelcome familiarity due to repeated occurrence.

commonly encountered

Emphasizes the frequency of encountering something.

often observed

Focuses on the repeated observation of something.

repeatedly experienced

Highlights the repeated nature of the experience.

FAQs

How can I use "all too common" in a sentence?

"All too common" is used to emphasize that something negative or undesirable happens frequently. For example, "Data breaches are "all too common" in today's digital landscape".

What can I say instead of "all too common"?

You can use alternatives like "sadly frequent", "regrettably typical", or "disturbingly prevalent" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "all too common" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "all too common" can sometimes be perceived as informal. In highly formal contexts, consider using more precise or sophisticated alternatives like "frequently occurred" or "pervasive".

What is the difference between "all too common" and "very common"?

"All too common" implies a negative connotation, suggesting the frequency of something undesirable. "Very common" simply indicates high frequency without necessarily implying a negative aspect.