common masses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "common masses" is a correct and usable term in written English.
This phrase is often used to refer to the larger population, or the "common people". For example, one might say, "The common masses are beginning to revolt against the oppressive government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

They dictated the terms at the peril of the common masses". Developing countries were joined in their criticism of the developed nations by international environment groups.

The Guardian

There has been a huge outcry from all sections of the Indian population — politicians, celebrities, journalists and the common masses — to avenge the attack, demanding a war against Pakistan and collective punishment for Kashmiris, including calls for genocide.

The Washington Post

But in what threatened to become an international incident, diplomats and environment groups hit back by saying Britain and other countries, including the US and Australia, had dictated the terms of the weak Copenhagen agreement, imposing it on the world's poor "at the peril of the millions of common masses".

The Guardian

One hopes that the repressed aspirations of those fighting for social justice since the 1940s for a democratic state that will aid fast-paced development, especially for the common masses, will finally be realized instead of the enclave-based growth model that has marginalized the majority, including the common people of Telangana.

The New York Times

While we need to ensure that the new policy safeguards the interests of the common masses and farmers, I think it is a right decision to adapt to a futuristic economic vision.

BBC

Due to the rapid decrease in the level of water resources and increasing demand of water for consumption in our daily life, it is necessary to reuse the wastewater by developing a sustainable treatment process to clean up contaminated wastewater economically and safely, which could be easily adopted by the common masses.

Applied Water Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"In populations where this parasite is very common, mass personality modification could result in cultural change," Lafferty said.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the most common mass analyzers the ions are separated in space according to their mass-to-charge ratios.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Polyps that remain physically attached to one another or embedded in a common mass of tissue constitute a colony.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Below is a table that illustrates the current common mass classification of exoplanets in terms of size with respect to Earth.

Harvard University

A second method of mesoderm formation is by the splitting off of mesodermal cells from the original common mass of endomesoderm.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "common masses", consider the context and your audience. Modern writing often favors more direct and less potentially divisive terms like "general public" or "ordinary people".

Common error

Be careful not to overuse "common masses" in contemporary writing, as it can sometimes sound antiquated or carry unintended connotations of class division. Opt for more neutral terms unless the specific historical or social context warrants this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common masses" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates its use in referring to the general population. The word common is an adjective that modifies masses.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "common masses" refers to the general population, often in the context of social or political discussions. While grammatically correct, Ludwig AI highlights that it is an older expression that can be replaced by more modern and neutral alternatives like "general public" or "ordinary people". It appears mostly in news and media, and science-related contexts. When considering its use, be mindful of the potential for unintended connotations and opt for more direct language when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general public

Emphasizes the public nature and accessibility of information or services.

ordinary people

Highlights the everyday nature and lack of special status.

average citizens

Focuses on the role of individuals within a nation.

common people

A more direct and concise alternative, similar in tone and meaning.

general population

Stresses the overall group without specific attributes.

the masses

A shorter, slightly more abstract and potentially impersonal term.

rank and file

Highlights the non-leadership members of an organization or group.

grassroots

Emphasizes the local and community-based nature of a group.

the populace

A more formal and literary alternative.

man on the street

Represents the views and experiences of an average, uninformed person.

FAQs

What does the phrase "common masses" mean?

The phrase "common masses" typically refers to the general population or ordinary people, especially when viewed as a collective group without specific distinctions.

What are some alternatives to using "common masses"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "general public", "ordinary people", or "average citizens".

Is "common masses" considered a formal or informal term?

The term "common masses" leans toward a more formal register. In contemporary writing, it's often replaced by more neutral terms like "general public" or "the masses" to avoid potential connotations of social division.

How can I use "common masses" effectively in a sentence?

Use "common masses" when you want to emphasize the collective experience or impact on the general population. For example, "The new law will affect the common masses significantly."