are common

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are common" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is frequently encountered or widely known. Example: "These types of errors are common in beginner programming courses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Wound infections are common.

The New Yorker

Arbitrage scams are common.

The New Yorker

Family links are common.

The New York Times - Health

Accidents are common.

The Economist

Droughts are common.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Dissected plains are common.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Group practices are common.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Elsewhere, monkeys are common.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nasalized vowels are common.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Co-ops are common.

The New York Times

What are common themes?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are common" to describe trends, phenomena, or events that occur frequently or are widely observed. This phrase is versatile and suitable for various contexts, from scientific observations to everyday occurrences.

Common error

Avoid overusing "are common" in descriptive writing, as it can make your writing sound repetitive and bland. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms such as "prevalent", "frequent", or "widespread" to add depth and nuance to your descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are common" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject by indicating that it occurs frequently or is widely found. Ludwig examples confirm its use in stating the prevalence of various phenomena, conditions, or events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are common" is a versatile and frequently used expression for indicating that something occurs often or is widely prevalent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. While highly functional, overuse can lead to bland writing, so consider using synonyms like "prevalent" or "frequent" to add nuance. Its widespread usage across news, encyclopedias, and general reference materials suggests a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. Remember, “are common” is for plural nouns; use “is common” for singular nouns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are frequent

Simply states that something happens often.

are prevalent

Highlights the widespread existence or acceptance of something.

are widespread

Focuses on the extensive distribution of something.

occur frequently

Emphasizes the repeated happening of something.

often happen

Rephrases the common occurrence using a verb-focused structure.

are commonplace

Suggests that something is ordinary and unremarkable because it is so common.

frequently arise

Highlights the repeated emergence of something.

are typical

Indicates that something conforms to a usual type or pattern.

are regularly observed

Focuses on the consistent noticing of something.

are routine

Implies that something is a normal part of a procedure or activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "are common" to describe something that happens frequently or is widely found. For example, "Wound infections "are common" after surgery" or "Droughts "are common" in this region".

What are some alternatives to "are common"?

Alternatives to "are common" include "are frequent", "are prevalent", "are widespread", or "often happen". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is common" instead of "are common"?

No, "is common" is used with singular nouns, while "are common" is used with plural nouns. For example, "A mistake is common" but "Mistakes "are common"".

What's the difference between "are common" and "are typical"?

"Are common" indicates frequency or prevalence, while "are typical" suggests that something conforms to a usual type or pattern. For instance, "Rainy days "are common" in spring" means it rains often, while "Cloudy days "are typical" in that season" means most days are cloudy.