as common as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as common as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare two things and highlight how common one of them is. For example, "The use of smartphones is becoming as common as the use of laptops these days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

General Usage

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In gratitude for being bowed by something as humble as a wish, as common, as miraculous as a child.

The New York Times

They're as common as muck.

Independent

Suddenly, divorce is as common as prosciutto.

The New York Times

Kidnapping was as common as rain.

The Guardian - Opinion

Snowmobiles are almost as common as cars.

The New York Times

Gun violence in America is as common as the sunrise.

The New York Times

It will be as common as "clean water", says another.

The Guardian

Memoirists seem as common as suicides on the family tree.

The New York Times

Now I'm as common as a Styrofoam box from McDonald's".

The New York Times

Yard signs and billboards are as common as dandelions.

The New York Times

Long robes and kaffiyehs are as common as Western dress.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as common as", ensure the comparison is clear and relevant to your audience. For example, instead of just saying something is "as common as rain", specify "as common as rain in Seattle" for added impact.

Common error

Avoid comparisons that have become trite, such as "as common as dirt". Opt for fresh, more descriptive analogies that provide a clearer and more engaging image.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as common as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to indicate that something has a similar level of prevalence or frequency as something else. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Food

7%

General Usage

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as common as" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative phrase, as also confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to illustrate that something is similarly prevalent or frequent to another well-known thing. The phrase is versatile and appropriate for various writing styles, though avoiding overused comparisons enhances its impact. It is most frequently found in news and media sources. Using "as common as" effectively involves ensuring the comparison is both clear and relevant to the intended audience, strengthening the message and avoiding clichés.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as frequent as

Focuses specifically on the frequency of occurrence.

as commonplace as

Highlights the ordinariness or lack of uniqueness.

as widespread as

Emphasizes the broad distribution or reach.

as prevalent as

Similar to "widespread", but often used in scientific or medical contexts.

no more unusual than

Expresses that something is not particularly remarkable.

just as typical as

Highlights the typicality or expectedness.

on par with

Indicates that something is equal in status or occurrence.

as often as

Focuses solely on the regularity of occurrence.

comparable to

Implies a similarity in quantity or degree.

akin to

Suggests a resemblance or correspondence.

FAQs

How do I use "as common as" in a sentence?

Use "as common as" to compare the frequency or prevalence of something to something else widely known. For example, "Smartphones are "as common as" televisions in most households today".

What can I say instead of "as common as"?

You can use alternatives such as "as frequent as", "as widespread as", or "as prevalent as", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "as common as"?

Yes, the phrase "as common as" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure for comparative phrases in English.

What's the difference between "as common as" and "more common than"?

"As common as" implies a similar level of prevalence, while "more common than" indicates a higher frequency or greater occurrence compared to something else.