common to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "common to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is shared or prevalent among a group or category. Example: "The challenges faced by these communities are common to many rural areas across the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Common to many experiences here.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It is common to catastrophise.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"What is common to Singapore, Israel and America?

The New York Times

Treachery is also common to both.

The Guardian

That is common to young people anywhere".

The Guardian - Books

It's very common to feel like that.

The Guardian

It was quite common to do that.

The Guardian

The first is common to both: indiscipline.

The Guardian - Books

Insulin is common to many animal species.

The Guardian

IT is common to feel foolish at the tire store.

The New York Times

And that made it common to us all.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "common to", ensure that the subjects being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "High stress levels are common to both professions" is clearer than "High stress levels are common."

Common error

Avoid using "common to" when referring to a single entity or concept. "This trait is common to the project" is incorrect. Instead, use "common in" or rephrase to include multiple subjects: "This trait is common in projects of this type."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common to" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun or noun phrase, indicating a shared characteristic or attribute. It highlights what different entities have in common. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this function across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "common to" serves as a versatile prepositional phrase, effectively highlighting shared attributes across diverse subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news, media, and scientific contexts. While alternatives like "shared by" or "prevalent in" exist, "common to" provides a clear and concise way to establish connections between entities. Remember to use it with plural nouns or multiple subjects and avoid misapplication with singular nouns to maintain grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared by

Emphasizes the act of sharing a characteristic among multiple entities.

prevalent in

Highlights the widespread occurrence of something within a specific context or group.

typical of

Suggests that something is a representative example within a particular category.

characteristic of

Focuses on a distinctive quality that is indicative of a particular thing or person.

inherent in

Implies that something is an essential or intrinsic part of something else.

belonging to

Highlights the association or connection to a specific group or category.

found among

Indicates the presence of something within a specific group or collection.

existing in

Implies the presence or occurrence of something within a particular context or environment.

mutual to

Underscores the reciprocal or shared nature of something between two or more parties.

applicable to

Suggests that something is relevant or suitable for a particular situation or group.

FAQs

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

Use "common to" to indicate a shared characteristic between two or more things. For example, "A strong work ethic is common to successful entrepreneurs."

What's an alternative to saying "common to"?

You can use phrases like "shared by", "prevalent in", or "typical of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "common for" instead of "common to"?

While "common for" can sometimes be used, "common to" is generally preferred when indicating a shared attribute among multiple entities. "Common for" often describes something typical for a specific situation or group. For example: "It is common for students to feel stressed during exams" but "Challenges are common to both experienced and novice entrepreneurs".

What's the difference between "common to" and "unique to"?

"Common to" indicates a shared attribute, while "unique to" signifies something that is exclusive to a particular entity or group. For example, "Breathing is common to all mammals", whereas, "A prehensile tail is unique to certain species of monkeys".