common element

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "common element" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a shared characteristic or feature among different items, ideas, or groups. Example: "The common element among all these theories is the concept of evolution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One common element is clay.

The New York Times

Actually, the programs had one common element.

The New York Times - Arts

"The common element is a wandering, mobile narrator".

The New York Times - Books

There is, however, one common element among all these conflicts.

The Guardian - Opinion

"A terrace in a condominium is either a common element or a limited common element," Mr. Siegler said.

The New York Times

Finally we are meeting the fourth most common element on Earth (and the sixth most common element in the universe).

The Guardian

But the most common element is deep depression, he said.

The New York Times

But that was certainly a very common element.

Harvard Business Review

It is, however, not a common element.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

Such masks are a common element in Puuc architecture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One common element is that these people often work late at night.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, using "common element" can help to simplify complex systems or processes by drawing attention to what is consistent across different parts.

Common error

Avoid using "common element" when a simpler word like "similarity" or "feature" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common element" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific attribute, feature, or principle that is shared among multiple entities, ideas, or items. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "common element" is a versatile noun phrase used to highlight shared attributes or principles across various contexts. As indicated by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. When writing, use "common element" to emphasize unifying aspects and connections. While it is suitable for formal and neutral registers, be mindful of avoiding overuse in simple descriptions. Alternatives like "shared feature" or "underlying principle" can provide nuanced meaning depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared characteristic

Focuses on a trait that is possessed by multiple entities.

underlying principle

Emphasizes the foundational idea that connects various concepts.

recurring theme

Highlights a theme that appears multiple times.

connecting thread

Illustrates the link that ties different elements together.

central component

Stresses the importance of the core part that is essential.

fundamental aspect

Highlights the primary characteristic.

basic element

Focuses on the simple constituents.

common denominator

Highlights what is present when multiple different entities are involved.

unifying factor

Emphasizes what brings different things together.

shared attribute

Focuses on a quality that is possessed by multiple entities.

FAQs

How to use "common element" in a sentence?

The phrase "common element" is used to refer to a shared characteristic or feature among different items, ideas, or groups. For example: "The "common element" among all these theories is the concept of evolution."

What can I say instead of "common element"?

You can use alternatives like "shared feature", "joint characteristic", or "underlying principle" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "common element" over "similarity"?

"Common element" is more appropriate when emphasizing a specific component that is shared, whereas "similarity" is used for general resemblance. For instance, "The common element in these designs is the use of sustainable materials" highlights a specific aspect.

Is "common element" a formal phrase?

While "common element" is suitable for professional and academic contexts, it can also be used in news and media. However, for informal settings, simpler terms like "shared aspect" or "common feature" might be more appropriate.