common frame of reference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "common frame of reference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing shared understanding or perspectives among individuals or groups in a conversation or analysis. Example: "In order to facilitate effective communication, it is essential to establish a common frame of reference among all team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Those of us who have dealt with ailing parents have a sad but common frame of reference.

Columbia University

The similarity of their painting styles and their common frame of reference probably explain why, for a long time, the Hermitage Crucifixion was attributed to Velázquez.

The Guardian - Arts

The similarity of their painting styles and their common frame of reference probably explain why, for a long time, the Hermitage Crucifixion was attributed to Velázquez.

The Guardian - Arts

This tool is used to reproject all the images of SN1006 to a common frame of reference, creating a mosaic of the object from the individual observations.

Harvard University

This specification will help bridge the gap between compost production and use by creating a common frame of reference for professionals in the landscaping industry and compost producers.

Cornell University

When enterprises collaborate, a common frame of reference or at least a common terminology is necessary for human-to-human, human-to-machine, and machine-to-machine communication.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

In spite of that, there were only few attempts to design a common frame of references to understand the complex mutual interactions between the various pathways of inflammatory response and of thyroid tumor induction and progression.

International Journal of Surgery

Common frames of reference are often hard to find, and Chiocchio was constantly working to prevent ITER from becoming a scientific Tower of Babel.

The New Yorker

Like high-definition TV, however, the triple-cooked chip is so perfect, so precise in its detail, that it seems unreal somehow; a chip from outside our common frame of chip reference.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then all related equations are transformed to a common network frame of reference and tied to each other through the Y-matrix of the transmission network.

Electric Power Systems Research

ArcGIS software describes the relationships between the stakeholders and related spatial data, on the basis of their common geographical frame of reference.

City, Territory and Architecture

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a diverse audience, explicitly define or illustrate the "common frame of reference" to ensure everyone is on the same page. This can involve providing background information, clarifying assumptions, or using relatable examples.

Common error

Avoid assuming your audience automatically shares your "common frame of reference". What seems obvious to you might not be to others. Always provide enough context to ensure clarity and prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common frame of reference" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement or object of a preposition, denoting a shared basis for understanding or communication. As shown by Ludwig's examples, the phrase is commonly used to describe the basis for discussion or analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

Academia

26%

News & Media

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "common frame of reference" is a frequently used and grammatically sound expression for denoting a shared basis of understanding. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's applicable across diverse fields like science, academia, and news media. To effectively use it, avoid assuming automatic shared knowledge and always provide sufficient context. Alternatives such as "mutual understanding" or "shared perspective" offer subtle variations in meaning. Defining or illustrating the "common frame of reference" explicitly can prevent misinterpretations in communication with diverse audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared frame of reference

This alternative replaces "common" with "shared", emphasizing the collaborative nature of the reference point.

mutual understanding

This alternative shifts the focus from a literal frame to the resulting understanding that is shared.

shared perspective

This alternative emphasizes a shared viewpoint or outlook.

common understanding

This alternative is more general, referring to a shared comprehension of a subject.

shared context

This alternative highlights the shared background or environment that informs understanding.

agreed-upon framework

This alternative emphasizes a more formal, established agreement on a structure for understanding.

convergent viewpoint

This alternative describes how different perspectives merge into one.

unified perspective

This option focuses on perspective being singular or merged into one point of view.

collective mindset

This emphasizes a group's shared way of thinking and approaching situations.

harmonized interpretation

This option indicates a unified understanding or explanation of events or information.

FAQs

How can I establish a "common frame of reference" in a conversation?

Start by identifying shared experiences or knowledge with your audience. Actively listen to their perspective and adjust your language and examples to align with their understanding. Ask clarifying questions to ensure mutual comprehension.

What's a practical example of using a "common frame of reference"?

Imagine explaining a complex software feature to non-technical stakeholders. Instead of using jargon, you could relate it to a familiar analogy, such as comparing data storage to organizing files in a physical cabinet. This creates a "common frame of reference" for understanding.

Which is the most similar expression to "common frame of reference"?

A very close alternative is "mutual understanding". The two expressions can often be used interchangeably.

How does "common frame of reference" differ from "shared perspective"?

While similar, "common frame of reference" implies a shared set of knowledge and assumptions, while "shared perspective" suggests a similar viewpoint or opinion. A "common frame of reference" can lead to a shared perspective, but not always.