common sight

USAGE SUMMARY

"common sight" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is frequently seen or encountered. Example: The majestic mountains of the region are a common sight in photographs of the area.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Syrian restaurants are a common sight.

The Economist

Buzzards and sparrowhawks are a common sight.

The Guardian - Travel

It's becoming a much more common sight".

The New York Times

It is starting to become a common sight.

The Guardian - Tech

This unglamorous sort of toughness is a common sight.

The New York Times

Bald eagles are a common sight, especially during the winter.

The New York Times - Travel

An overhead jungle of wires is a common sight.

The New York Times

Fishermen are a common sight on the coastline.

The Guardian - Travel

New condos are an increasingly common sight in the area.

The New York Times

Currently, infants aren't a particularly common sight in premium cabins.

The Economist

Statues of the boy became a common sight.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "common sight" to concisely describe something that is frequently observed. This phrase works well to set the scene and establish familiarity in your writing.

Common error

While "common sight" is useful, avoid overuse. Vary your descriptions by using synonyms or providing more specific details to maintain reader engagement. For example, instead of saying "traffic jams are a common sight", describe the specific types of vehicles involved or the time of day when jams occur.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common sight" functions as a descriptive element within a sentence, typically serving to establish a sense of familiarity or frequency regarding a particular visual observation. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Travel

12%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "common sight" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively describes something visually observed with regularity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various writing contexts, particularly in news, travel, and general descriptive content. Related phrases offer similar nuances, and while "common sight" is useful, it should be varied with other descriptive language to maintain reader engagement. Its neutral register and wide acceptance make it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frequently seen

Directly states that something is observed often, maintaining a straightforward and literal meaning.

common occurrence

Emphasizes that something happens often, focusing on the frequency rather than the visual aspect.

frequent occurrence

Emphasizes the regularity with which something happens, shifting the focus from visual perception to the event itself.

prevalent image

Highlights the widespread nature of something visual, indicating that it is commonly encountered.

familiar view

Focuses on the recognizability of something, indicating that it is well-known and easily identified.

typical spectacle

Highlights the visual aspect of something common, framing it as a scene or display that is often seen.

everyday view

Highlights that something is a normal part of daily life and easily observed.

regular feature

Suggests that something is a standard or expected part of a particular environment or situation.

usual scene

Indicates that something is typical and expected, often blending into the background.

ordinary scene

Underscores the lack of uniqueness or specialness, portraying something as commonplace and unremarkable.

FAQs

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

You can use "common sight" to describe something that is frequently seen. For instance, "Roadside billboards are a "common sight" on highways" or "In this city, street performers are a "common sight"".

What are some alternatives to "common sight"?

Alternatives to "common sight" include "frequently seen", "usual scene", or "familiar view". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "common sight" formal or informal?

"Common sight" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It's suitable for news articles, essays, and casual conversations.

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

While both describe something that happens frequently, "common sight" specifically refers to something that is visually observed often, while "common occurrence" refers to something that happens often, regardless of whether it's visually observed.