are very common

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Abortions are very common.

The Guardian

Such scenarios are very common.

The Washington Post

Anovulatory cycles are very common.

Stanford University

Car accidents are very common in Iran.

The New York Times

Some of them are very common.

The New York Times

Depression and anxiety are very common.

Independent

And these things are very common.

Yale University

Enlarged inguinal lymph nodes are very common.

Stanford University

Chlamydial infections are very common worldwide.

Biochemical Pharmacology

"But the diseases it prevents are very common".

The New York Times - Science

"These kinds of mantras are very common in tech.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are very common", consider the specific context to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the frequency. If a more precise quantification is possible, such as "occur in 75% of cases", use that instead for enhanced clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "are very common" when the phenomenon is only slightly more frequent than others. Overusing the phrase dilutes its impact and may mislead readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are very common" functions as a descriptive phrase, primarily used to attribute a high degree of frequency or prevalence to a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

28%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are very common" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote high frequency or prevalence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it finds application across varied contexts, including academia, news, and scientific discourse. While versatile, it's essential to ensure the context aligns with the degree of commonality being expressed and to consider more precise language when appropriate. Alternative phrases, such as "are highly prevalent" or "are frequently observed", can add nuance and formality to your writing, as well.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are highly prevalent

Replaces "common" with "prevalent", emphasizing widespread existence; "highly" adds intensity.

are exceedingly frequent

Uses "exceedingly" to amplify the frequency, making it more emphatic.

are frequently observed

Shifts focus to observation frequency rather than inherent commonality.

are often encountered

Focuses on the experience of encountering the item or situation.

are widespread

Focuses on geographical distribution and broad occurrence.

are routinely seen

Emphasizes the routine or regular occurrence.

are quite typical

Highlights the typical nature or expectedness of something.

are a common occurrence

Nominalizes the phrase, focusing on the "occurrence" itself being common.

are in abundance

Highlights the plentiful quantity of something, implying commonness.

are a dime a dozen

An informal idiom indicating extreme commonness and lack of value.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are very common" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "are highly prevalent", "are frequently observed", or "are widespread" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "are very common" and "are quite common"?

"Are very common" suggests a higher degree of frequency compared to "are quite common". "Very common" implies something is extremely prevalent, while "quite common" suggests it's reasonably frequent but not necessarily exceptional.

Is it always appropriate to use "are very common" in academic writing?

While "are very common" is grammatically correct, academic writing often benefits from more precise language. Instead of saying "are very common", consider providing statistical data or using more specific descriptors like "are routinely seen" or "are highly prevalent".

When should I avoid using the phrase "are very common"?

Avoid using "are very common" if you lack evidence to support the claim or if the phenomenon is only marginally more frequent than alternatives. In such cases, consider using more neutral language or providing specific data to justify your statement.