common occurrence

USAGE SUMMARY

"common occurrence" is correct and usable in written English.
You would usually use this phrase to describe a frequent or regular event that takes place. For example, "Car accidents are a common occurrence on this stretch of highway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Insurance against wins common occurrence.

The New Yorker

Sadly this is an increasingly common occurrence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Kidnappings and disappearances are a common occurrence.

The Guardian - Film

"These incidents are clearly a common occurrence.

The Guardian

This is a relatively common occurrence.

The New Yorker

Because the hydraulics overheat, fire is a common occurrence.

The New York Times

It added: "Unfortunately, this incident is quite a common occurrence.

The Guardian - Business

It was a common occurrence with many guys".

The New York Times

Protests by disgruntled pensioners have become a common occurrence nationwide.

The New York Times

Death by fire in the slums is a common occurrence.

The Guardian

It's not a common occurrence, the protesters say.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "common occurrence" when you want to emphasize that something happens frequently and is not unusual. This phrase adds a layer of expectation or acceptance to the event being described.

Common error

While "common occurrence" is widely accepted, be mindful of overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "prevalence" or "frequency" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common occurrence" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies something that happens frequently or regularly. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, from describing fires to political manipulation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "common occurrence" is a noun phrase widely used to describe events that happen frequently and are not considered unusual. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various writing contexts. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its prevalence in News & Media, Academia and Science, it is neutral in tone and avoids overly formal language. While versatile, consider using more formal alternatives like "prevalence" or "frequency" in highly academic contexts. When writing, use "common occurrence" to emphasize the expectation of any event being described. The phrase is a versatile term for effectively communicating frequency and typicality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commonplace

A single word that is synonymous with "common occurrence" but may sound slightly more formal.

frequent event

Focuses on the frequency of the event rather than the expectation of its happening.

typical situation

Highlights the normalcy of the situation, implying it's expected.

regular phenomenon

Emphasizes the systematic or predictable nature of the event.

usual incident

Focuses on the incident aspect, implying it happens regularly and is not out of the ordinary.

recurring instance

Underscores that the event happens repeatedly.

established pattern

Emphasizes that the event is part of a recognized and repeated sequence.

widespread event

Suggests the event happens across a large area or among many people.

prevailing trend

Highlights that the event is a current pattern or tendency.

routine matter

Implies the event is part of a normal procedure or process.

FAQs

How can I use "common occurrence" in a sentence?

You can use "common occurrence" to describe something that happens frequently. For instance, "Delays are a "common occurrence" during the holiday season."

What's a more formal way to say "common occurrence"?

If you're looking for a more formal alternative, consider using "prevalence" or "frequency". These words add a touch of sophistication to your writing.

Is it correct to say "a common occurrence" or "common occurrences"?

Both are correct depending on the context. "A "common occurrence"" refers to a single instance, while "common occurrences" refers to multiple instances.

What's the difference between "common occurrence" and "daily occurrence"?

"Common occurrence" simply means something happens frequently. "Daily occurrence" specifies that something happens every day.