are common to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are common to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is shared or prevalent among a group or category. Example: "The challenges faced by these communities are common to many rural areas across the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Certain artificial things are common to suburbias everywhere," he said.

The New York Times

Health- Explore the tropical diseases that are common to Madagascar.

The New York Times

There are several factors that are common to these scares.

The Guardian

Seemingly impossible shots are common to Mr. Helmrich's documentaries.

The New York Times

These minerals are common to many igneous and metamorphic rocks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Certain core subjects are common to all programs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Simple practices of divination are common to practical Hinduism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Certain characteristics are common to all civil services.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Raccoons are common to Central Park and other parks around the city.

The New York Times

Camaraderie and an obsession with details are common to most security details.

The New York Times

"People poke fun at this, but predictions are common to many religions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are common to", ensure that the subject is plural and that the context clearly defines the shared trait or characteristic. For example, "Challenges are common to startups" is clearer than "That is common to startups."

Common error

Avoid using "are common to" with singular subjects. It's grammatically incorrect to say "This problem are common to all users." Instead, use "is common to" for singular subjects or rephrase the sentence to use a plural subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are common to" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a shared characteristic or attribute among multiple subjects. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in identifying similarities across various categories, such as diseases, countries, and artistic portrayals. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is indeed correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are common to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating shared characteristics across multiple subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and Ludwig’s examples demonstrate its prevalence in diverse contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedias. To ensure clarity, use it with plural subjects and clearly defined shared traits. Avoid singular subjects to prevent grammatical errors. Alternatives such as "are shared by" or "are typical of" offer similar meanings, allowing for nuanced expression. Given its versatility and widespread use, mastering "are common to" enhances writing precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are typical of

This alternative suggests that something is representative or characteristic of a particular group or category.

are characteristic of

This alternative emphasizes that something serves as a distinguishing feature or quality.

are shared by

This alternative focuses on the aspect of things being mutually experienced or possessed.

are prevalent in

This alternative highlights the widespread existence or occurrence of something within a specific context.

are found in

This alternative indicates the presence or existence of something within a specific location or group.

are typical among

This phrase suggests that something is frequently seen or experienced within a certain group.

are usual for

This alternative points to something being the standard or expected occurrence in a particular situation.

are standard in

This alternative implies adherence to an established norm or convention within a specific domain.

are familiar in

This alternative highlights that something is well-known or commonly encountered within a particular sphere.

are recognized in

This alternative suggests that something is acknowledged or identified as existing within a specific context.

FAQs

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

Use "are common to" to indicate shared characteristics or experiences. For example, "Certain challenges "are common to" both small and large businesses."

What's a good alternative to "are common to"?

Alternatives include "are shared by", "are typical of", or "are prevalent in" depending on the specific context.

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

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is common to" with singular subjects (e.g., "This trait is common to all cats") and "are common to" with plural subjects (e.g., "These traits "are common to" all cats").

What is the difference between "are common to" and "are unique to"?

"Are common to" indicates shared attributes, while "are unique to" signifies exclusive attributes. For example, "Long lifespans "are common to" certain turtle species", versus "Bioluminescence "are unique to" some deep-sea creatures".