common practice

USAGE SUMMARY

"common practice" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is done regularly or habitually. For example, "For this job, it is common practice to submit a résumé and cover letter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(Is this common practice?

The New Yorker

"That's common practice".

The New York Times

This is common practice worldwide.

The Economist

That beefing is common practice.

The New Yorker

But this isn't common practice.

The Guardian - Film

That's not common practice, unfortunately.

Harvard Business Review

It's a common practice in politics.

The New York Times

Still, it is not a common practice.

The New York Times

This common practice is an economic necessity.

The New York Times

This has become common practice in Syria.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Take marriage payments, a once-common practice.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "common practice", ensure the context clearly indicates the domain or area where it is considered common. For example, specify "In the medical field, it's common practice...".

Common error

Avoid using "common practice" without specifying the context. Saying "It's common practice" without indicating where it is common can lead to ambiguity and misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common practice" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. According to Ludwig, it correctly describes something that is generally done or accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "common practice" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes something generally done or accepted. According to Ludwig, this phrase is appropriate for various contexts, primarily in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. When using "common practice", it's essential to provide context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "standard procedure", "typical behavior", and "accepted convention". Remember that while something may be a "common practice", it may not always be the ""best practice"".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Standard procedure

Focuses on the established method for doing something.

Typical behavior

Highlights that the action is usual or expected.

Established norm

Emphasizes that it is a widely accepted standard.

Prevailing custom

Underscores the traditional or habitual nature of the action.

General usage

Focuses on how something is typically used or done.

Widespread habit

Highlights the habitual nature of the action across a broad scope.

Accepted convention

Indicates the action is socially or professionally accepted.

Regular occurrence

Focuses on the frequency with which the action happens.

Routine activity

Emphasizes the activity is performed as part of a normal routine.

Ordinary conduct

Highlights the action is considered normal and unremarkable.

FAQs

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

You can use "common practice" to describe something that is generally done or accepted. For example, "It is "common practice" to submit a cover letter with your resume."

What are some alternatives to "common practice"?

Alternatives to "common practice" include "standard procedure", "typical behavior", or "accepted convention".

Is it always appropriate to use "common practice"?

While "common practice" is generally acceptable, ensure the context is clear and that the practice is indeed widely accepted. Avoid using it to justify unethical or illegal behavior.

What's the difference between "common practice" and "best practice"?

"Common practice" refers to what is generally done, while "best practice" refers to the method or technique that is considered the most effective or superior. A "common practice" may not always be the "best practice".