common phrases

USAGE SUMMARY

"common phrases" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to popular or frequently used phrases that are familiar to most people. You can use the phrase "common phrases" in a variety of contexts, such as when discussing the most frequently used expressions in a language or when teaching English as a second language. For example, "It is important to practice using common phrases in everyday conversations to improve your speaking skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mean comprehension score for common phrases was 86%.

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Released Thursday, Telepathwords incorporates common known passwords and common phrases.

MIT Technology Review

People have been initialising common phrases for ages.

The Guardian - Books

Hackers can download libraries of information to try common phrases.

The Washington Post

I add a few extra common phrases which didn't come up in the lesson.

The Guardian

Such phrases are vulnerable to a dictionary attack based on common phrases taken from the internet.

The Economist

But he arranges common phrases and observations into patterns that echo and amplify.

The New York Times

Many of the most common phrases were idioms — phrases that mean something different from the literal meaning of their words.

The Washington Post

The standard English spoken today is Midland in origin; thanks to Shakespeare, many of its most common phrases are too.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Some now-common phrases — mic drop, hot mic — would look downright anachronistic with the old spelling.

The Washington Post

There are "very common… phrases which you should try to avoid" wrote Caan.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In cybersecurity contexts, refer to "common phrases" as a vulnerability, as they are susceptible to dictionary attacks in password generation

Common error

Avoid using "common phrases" when you specifically mean 'clichés'. While both are frequently used, a common phrase like 'thank you' is functionally necessary, whereas a cliché is an unoriginal expression that can weaken the impact of your writing

Linguistic Context

In English grammar, "common phrases" functions as a plural noun phrase. It is composed of the adjective 'common', which acts as a pre-modifier, and the head noun 'phrases'. According to Ludwig, it typically serves as the direct object of verbs like 'learn', 'recognize', or 'avoid'. It is used to categorize linguistic units that have reached a high level of cultural or social saturation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis provided by Ludwig and Ludwig AI demonstrates that "common phrases" is an indispensable term in modern English. It serves as a bridge between linguistic theory and practical application, appearing in contexts as diverse as speech therapy, cryptography, and travel etiquette. While it is grammatically simple, its functional importance is high, especially for those navigating language immersion or data security. The data shows that the phrase is overwhelmingly accepted in high-authority media and academic research, highlighting its status as the standard way to describe the recurring building blocks of human communication. Writers should feel confident using it to describe recognizable expressions, while remaining mindful of the subtle distinction between a helpful frequent phrase and a tired cliché.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frequent expressions

Focuses more on the repetition of the words rather than their popularity

set phrases

Specifically refers to words that are fixed together by convention

standard wording

Implies a more formal or official use of specific language

popular idioms

Narrows the scope to phrases with non-literal meanings

everyday language

Broadens the scope to include the general manner of speaking

commonplace sayings

Often implies traditional wisdom or folk expressions

standardized phrases

Suggests phrases that have been intentionally made uniform

routine terminology

Used more in technical or specialized professional environments

familiar locutions

A more sophisticated way to describe recognizable word groupings

hackneyed clichés

Adds a negative connotation of overused and unoriginal language

FAQs

What can I say instead of "common phrases"?

You can use alternatives like "frequent expressions", "everyday language", or "set phrases" depending on the context.

Is "common phrases" grammatically correct?

Yes, it is a perfectly standard noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms it is widely used in reputable sources ranging from "The New York Times" to academic journals.

What is the difference between "common phrases" and "idioms"?

While all "idioms" are "common phrases", not all "common phrases" are idioms. An idiom has a figurative meaning (like 'piece of cake'), whereas a common phrase can be literal (like 'how are you').

When should I avoid using "common phrases" in my writing?

You should avoid overusing them in creative writing to prevent your work from feeling like "cliché". However, they are essential for clarity in instructional or conversational English.